ASSESSMENT OF BRUCELLOSIS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG VETERINARIANS IN INDIA

Brucellosis is considered as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide. However, there is paucity of studies on knowledge, attitude and practice level of high risk groups like veterinarians in India. This study attempted to address this gap by conducting cross-sectional survey in four states of India (Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab states). The data was collected from 160 veterinarians through the self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. There exist wide differences in knowledge level on brucellosis among veterinarians across the surveyed states. In all the studied states less than 12% of the veterinarians were fully aware on the nuances of Brucellosis Control Programme implemented in India indicating the need for appropriate intervention to achieve the intended targets. The knowledge, attitude and practice Index of majority of the veterinarians ranged between 74 to 85, 58 to 71 and 86 to 100, respectively. The knowledge on brucellosis is significantly correlated with the prevalence in the states (except West Bengal) indicating veterinarians in higher brucellosis prevalence states have better knowledge. There exists significant difference across the states in knowledge and attitude level on brucellosis indicating the need of imparting appropriate training to upgrade knowledge and to build positive attitude among veterinarians.