Some challenges in progressive control of livestock originated zoonotic diseases in Pakistan–a pilot survey

Objective: To document the recent livestock related practices and possible unhygienic ways of pathogen entry. Identification of the potential risk factors for the spread of infection is important to design an evidence-based disease control programme. Methods: Rapid assessment method was adopted and...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Furqan Awan, Muhammad Muddassir Ali, Umair Iqbal, Irfan Khattak, Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-10-01
Series:Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S222116911530023X
Description
Summary:Objective: To document the recent livestock related practices and possible unhygienic ways of pathogen entry. Identification of the potential risk factors for the spread of infection is important to design an evidence-based disease control programme. Methods: Rapid assessment method was adopted and a purposive sample of 60 dairy farmers were interviewed. The following factors were noted for contributing in primary and secondary transmission of zoonotic infections: (i) persons who come in close contact with animals and their secretions, (ii) management strategies of farm animals (sheds and environment), (iii) management practices adopted at farms, (iv) small scale farmers and rural livestock production systems, (v) milk collection systems. Results: This research unveiled the certain routes of zoonotic disease transmission. Certain management practices, precautionary measures and strategies were the pivotal risk factors. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to educate the poor livestock keepers.
ISSN:2221-1691