Knowledge, attitude and practices of small ruminant butchers on tuberculosis in selected areas of Katsina State, Nigeria

A questionnaire survey was conducted on the knowledge, attitude and practices of butchers on tuberculosis in small ruminants in selected areas of  Katsina State, Nigeria. All respondents had some level of formal education. Animals slaughtered included cattle (18.0%), sheep (34.0%), goats (53.0%) and  camels (4.0%). Animals were slaughtered in the countryside (23.0%), within the village (24.0%) and in community areas (57.0%). The butchers knew small  ruminants could acquire tuberculosis and that tuberculosis could infect humans along with its signs and modes of transmission in animals and humans. Eighteen percent knew small ruminants could acquire tuberculosis from humans while 80.0% knew humans could acquire tuberculosis from animals.  Thirty percent of respondents knew people with tuberculosis, while 10.0% each reported their family members having tuberculosis and living with  tuberculosis-infected persons respectively. The butchers handled their tuberculosis-infected animals by taking such animals to Veterinary Clinic (52.0%),  selling (21.0%) or leaving them in the flock (15.0%). The butchers reported socializing at night with friends (44.0%), brothers (14.0%), sisters (8.0%) and  wives (34.0%). The butchers allowed dogs into the slaughter facilities and this was highly significant. Some of the butchers (62.0%) accepted childhood vaccination which included BCG (40.0%), Polio (28.0%) and Measles (27.0%). The study concluded that the butchers were aware of tuberculosis in both  humans and animals, the signs and symptoms of the disease as well as its mode of transmission. The study has demonstrated poor attitudes and  practices among the butchers about tuberculosis. The study recommends the need for greater education of butchers to enhance better practices and  attitudes towards the disease to control it in themselves and the public they serve.