Abstract

Background:
Zoonotic protozoal diseases pose risks in Ethiopia’s agriculture, public health, and water industry sectors.

Aim:
This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of smallholder cattle farmers in the Awi zone regarding water zoonotic protozoal infections.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 832 smallholder cattle farmers from March to April 2025 using well-validated structured questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice data on waterborne zoonotic protozoan diseases were collected (response rate of 98.6%).

Results:
Good levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were observed in 44.0%, 47.7%, and 38.8% of the participants, respectively. Specific knowledge about cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis was very low (9.4% and 13.2%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, income level, zoonosis training, access to information, and livestock raising systems were predictors of KAP performance.

Conclusion:
This study indicated significant gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of smallholder cattle farmers in the Awi zone. Urgent interventions are needed to mitigate zoonoses using the One Health approach.

Key words: Ethiopia; KAP; One Health; Smallholder farmers; Waterborne protozoan zoonoses.