Zoonotic infections originate and spread at the interface between humans, animals, and their environment, making them candidates for the one health approach to disease prevention and control [18,23].

Zoonotic diseases of virus origin have no effective treatment though vaccinations are available against some diseases for prevention. The prevention and control strategies for zoonotic diseases primarily rely on creating public awareness, Providing regular vaccination for livestock and the public against this zoonotic disease (if available), Monitor sporadic outbreaks that occur in wild and domestic animals, bio-safety, bio-security, and food safety. In resource-scarce developing countries like Ethiopia, improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of animal owners about zoonotic diseases is a critical point to contain the spread of zoonotic diseases [12,13,28]. One health approach is defined as a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach working at the local, regional, national, and global levels to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, and their shared environment [39,3]. According to the manual of FAO and Texas A&M AgriLife 2021, "One Health Approach" means communicating, collaborating, cooperating, and working together to achieve better health for humans, animals, and the environment; the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment. Then the link between humans, animal populations, and the surrounding environment needs to be done with proper care in order to protect serious consequences both for humans and animals. [14] stated that animal and human health professionals ought to educate the public about zoonotic diseases to effectively practice the prevention, control, and eradication strategies of zoonoses. In addition, according to one health approach mechanism, multi-sectoral coordination of zoonotic illnesses refers to any formalized standing group that strengthens or develops collaboration, communication, and coordination across the sectors responsible for addressing zoonotic diseases and other health concerns at the human-animal-environment interface [9,10].

Significance of the Study

This study identified the current status of the community's Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards common Zoonotic diseases and their prevention and control measures in the study area. It may lead to further action by concerned bodies depending on the results and recommendations forwarded and could initiate animal health and human health professionals to create awareness for the community of the study area.

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) towards common zoonotic diseases and their prevention and control measures in the Kellem Wollega zone starting from July 15 to September 30, 2022.

Materials And Method

Study Area

The study was conducted in 6 (six) randomly selected districts of Kellem Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia. It is located about 652km to the west of Addis Ababa/Finfinne. The agroecology of the study area includes Highland (26.1%), Midland (41.47%), and Lowland (32.49%). The study area is located between the latitude of 8⁰ 10' 58" N-9⁰ 21' 53" N and longitude 34⁰ 7' 37" E-35⁰ 26' 53" E. The annual rainfall of this zone ranges from 1200 to 1600 mm and its altitude ranges from 500-1600 mal. The average temperature of the study area is 27⁰ C. This zone covered 10,488 km², accounting for about 2.9% of Oromia Regional State. The study area has a huge livestock population, and comfortable climate conditions for breeding animals, and more than 85% of the community is dependent on a mixed agricultural system [21,25]. Kellem Wollega zone has 12 administrative districts and 279 peasant associations, or kebeles. According to the administrative data collected from all 12 districts in January/2022, the livestock population of this zone is comprised of cattle: 1,229,303 (local 1,228,220 and hybrid 1,083), Sheep: 758,399; goats: 472,152; equines: 186,614; and poultry: 2,312,300 (local 1,266,321 and hybrid 1,045,979) [5,21]; and human population is 797,666 (males: 401,905 and females: 395,761) [4].

Figure 2: Map of Kellem Wollega Zone, Google image.

A cross-sectional study design, based on questionnaires translated into the local language, Afaan Oromoo, was used to evaluate the community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards common zoonotic diseases and their prevention and control measures starting from July 15 to September 30, 2022.  The questionnaire and interview were also designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community regarding the transmission ways, symptoms, and their expectations on the impact of eating/drinking raw animal products or byproducts.

Study Population

The study population was the residents of randomly selected districts of the Kellem wollega zone; namely Dalle Sadi, Dalle Wabera, Hawa Gelan, Lalo Kile, Sadi Chanka, and Sayyo. The total human population of the study area is 797,666, of which 401,905 are males, and 395,761 are females. Of this huge number, only 76,277(9.56%) are urban inhabitants [4]

Sample Size Determination

The sample size of this study is determined using the [34] formula by considering a 95% confidence interval. In this study, three hundred ninety-two (392) respondents were contacted face-to-face for the interview questionnaire.

               n =1.962Pex (1-Pex)

                              d²

Where Pexp = expected prevalence; n= is required sample; d= desired precision; and 1.96

Z-value = for 95% confidence level. Based on the above formula, the total number of respondents interviewed should be 384, but in this study, 392 respondents were interviewed since there was no such research done in this zone and to increase the precision of the study.

Method of Data Collection

A detailed and organized questionnaire format was designed in an attempt to generate information related to and used for the face-to-face interview to evaluate the community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices about common zoonotic diseases in the study area and their prevention and control measures. Besides, the respondents were asked for their consent and briefed about the objective of the study before the commencement of the interview. The KAPs tool focused on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community on signs/symptoms, transmission ways, negative impacts on human health, and control and prevention of zoonotic diseases. The places where questionnaires/interviews are held include door-to-door, meeting events, religious halls, government organizations, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Schools, and higher education agencies. The data was collected by the 1st author of this study and in some places by skilled and oriented professionals.

Data Analysis

The questionnaire data were entered and managed in an MS Excel worksheet. It then improved to SPSS version 16 for descriptive statistical analysis. The frequency and percentage were utilized to determine the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of the community towards common zoonotic diseases and their prevention and control measures in the study area. A Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the statistical association variables of the study, and a P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Study Instrument

In this questionnaire study, materials such as paper, pen, correction fluid, marker, hand notes, agenda, computer, and other computer accessories were used.

Ethical Consideration

The proposal, questionnaires, and application letter were submitted to concerning bodies. An official letter from MoA/FAO and from Kellem Wollega Zone Agriculture Office was submitted to government organizations, non-government organizations, private organizations, and religious organizations in order to facilitate the study.

Result

Socio-demographic status of Respondents

In this study, 392 (267 male and 125 female) respondents were contacted and interviewed face to face in six randomly selected districts to determine their knowledge, attitude, and practices on common zoonotic diseases in the study area. The study categorized respondents' age as Young (15-30), Adult (31- 50), and Old (Above 51). The interviewed respondents include 50 (12.8%) degree and above, 66 (16.8%) diplomas, 99 (25.3%) grade 1-8, 48 (12.2%) learning or completing high school, and 129 (32.9%) uneducated respondents. With respect to occupation, 46 (11.7%) animal health and human health professionals, 66 (16.8%) other experts, 56 (14.3%) students, 34 (3.6%) merchants, and 190 (48.5%) farmers were contacted for an interview (Table 1).

Table 1: Socio-demographic category of respondents in number and percentage