Knowledge, attitudes and practices of smallholder farmers on foot and mouth disease control in two Cambodian provinces

Abstract

Food-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Cambodia. The control programme for FMD has relied on vaccination, with poor vaccination uptake by smallholder farmers becoming an increasing concern. A study to improve the understanding of farmer knowledge, attitudes and practices of FMD control and vaccination was conducted in two Cambodian provinces (Kampong Cham and Pursat). The aim was to identify opportunities to improve the livestock disease control programmes provided by both the government and private sectors. The survey comprised 300 smallholder farmers using a one-on-one interview technique and was completed between January to February 2014. Results identified that over two-thirds of the respondent farmers had not vaccinated their cattle over 2 years (2011)(2012)(2013). Of those who did, most cattle were vaccinated either once a year or once every 3 years. A booster had never been administered.It was concluded that the FMD vaccine had only been administered through an unreliable and limited government vaccination programme, and private FMD vaccination services were not accessed in the study areas. FMD outbreaks occurred every year during the study period, with a morbidity rate of over 30%. Isolation of first infected cattle from the household herd was not practiced, with treatment identified as the first preference intervention. Farmers often assisted other farmers to restrain and treat infected cattle both before (57%) and after (43%) their own cattle were infected. This indicated that most farmers did not practice basic biosecurity measures and chose to report FMD outbreaks to the village animal health workers (VAHW), friends, neighbours and relatives in preference to government officials. It was concluded that poor knowledge of disease transmission and biosecurity, with low FMD vaccination coverage and a focus on treatment, contribute to regular FMD outbreaks in these communities. Improvement of FMD control requires the cooperation of villagers, VAHWs and village leaders in disease reporting, with either improved funding of government vaccination services or establishing a private FMD vaccination service. Training programmes for farmers on disease transmission, and the importance of biosecurity and vaccination, including information on the cost-benefits of treatment versus full fee biannual FMD vaccination, are required.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs) of Farmers on Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattle in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan: A Descriptive Study

“…Almost similar findings have been reported in other parts of the world such as in Sri Lanka (farmers know clinical signs of FMD between 53% and 78%) and in Kenya (farmers know clinical signs of FMD between 53% and 78%) [11,12]. Others have similarly reported that livestock owners are often aware of the prominent clinical signs of the disease in both their own and neighbouring herds [13,14]. This is especially the case in cattle, where the clinical signs of FMD are more apparent [15,16] than in sheep and goats that show mild or no clinical signs of the disease [17].…”

“…However, it potentially could be a risk factor for the spread of FMDV in endemic regions through releasing the virus into the water or through the mixing of livestock at such locations [39]. In a similar study by Sieng, Patrick [14] it was found that farmers are using various traditional methods to treat their sick cattle such as: using herbs and engine oil aimed to clean lesions and deterring flies, and walking infected cattle through the mud to cauterise the pain arising from lesions.…”

Contributions of village animal health workers to foot‐and‐mouth disease control in Cambodia

“…The Government's focus on widespread delivery of HS vaccination and attempts to improve the position of Cambodia on the OIE-led PCP for FMD is well-known (Blacksell et al, 2019). However, as resources remain restricted to achieve both of these objectives, in-lieu of an Sieng, Patrick, Windsor, et al, 2022). These initiatives are urgently required in Cambodia if the substantial increase in future FMD vaccination rates currently needed is to be achieved.…”

“…In Cambodia, a survey of 300 smallholder farmers (January to February 2014) found that FMD outbreaks occurred every year during the study period, with a morbidity rate of over 30% (Sieng, Patrick, Windsor, et al, 2022). Biosecurity and vaccination practices were inadequate, and it was concluded that poor knowledge of disease transmission and biosecurity, with low FMD vaccination coverage and a focus on treatment, contributed to regular FMD outbreaks in these communities.…”

A community-based approach to livestock disease control in Subang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia

“…In terms of disease control, community knowledge, attitudes, and practices play an essential role. For instance, the regular occurrence of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in two Cambodian provinces, Kampong Cham and Pursat, is also affected by poor knowledge of disease transmission and biosecurity, low coverage of FMD vaccination, and focus on treatment [10]. The development of disease risk assessment and mitigation skills must be prioritized, particularly for those in low-resource settings [11,3].…”