Farmers' perceptions of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases associated with urban livestock farming in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Urban livestock keeping is a current practice in many African cities such as Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. This practice is not without consequences for the population's health. The main objective of this study was to contribute within the context of the "One Health" approach, to effective fight against arthropod-borne diseases in Bobo-Dioulasso's livestock farms. For this, a KAP (knowledge, attitudes and practices) survey of 125 livestock keepers was conducted from May to July 2019, to collect producers' perceptions of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, linked to livestock farming in an urban environment characterized by promiscuity between humans and animals. This study revealed that many animals species were bred in Bobo-Dioulasso city: sheep, cattle, goats, suidae and equidae (p < 0.001). These animals were bred either in the family yard (71.20% of survey respondents), in front of the family yard (20% of respondents) or in a neighboring yard (5.60% of respondents). This creates major problems in terms hygiene and the transmission of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. The survey also revealed that 90% of respondents were aware of the health risks associated with this activity, and able to identify disease-carrying arthropod vectors (mosquitoes and houseflies) and associated diseases. These farmers therefore adopt vectors control strategies such as the use of insecticides, mosquito nets and mosquito screens. Producers need to be made aware of the need to manage animal waste, with the support of the local authorities in Bobo-Dioulasso.