Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Echinococcus granulosis in different slaughter house worker of Punjab Pakistan

The present study aimed to evaluate the livestock workers’ Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding Echinococcus granulosis in Punjab, Pakistan. A KAP survey was conducted among the livestock workers. They were face to face interviewed for obtaining information subjected to their knowledge about Echinococcus granulosis and its zoonotic importance. Among 50 different slaughterhouse workers, 45 (90 %) were unfamiliar about the zoonotic importance of Echinococcus granulosis and only 5 (10% )recognized its zoonotic importance. Out of 50 slaughterhouse workers, 35 (70 %) did not know the association of canine kept nearby has a high potential of getting this disease. Among respondents 46 ( 84% )of people that did not consider hydatid cyst as a potential source of infection. Out of 50 slaughterhouse workers, 27 (54 % ) did not use protective clothing and gloves which is a major risk factor for its zoonotic transmission. On Chi-Square analysis, out of those workers having middle education was significantly associated with knowledge of Echinococcus granulosis as compared to those having no formal education (P=0.004 ). On analyzing potential risk factors, Chi-square depicted that there was a significant association) between zoonotic potential and education status. (P=0.002). There was a significant association of the hydatid cyst with the education level (P= 0.025). There should be a proper course that has to be passed by the workers before working in the slaughterhouses just not to protect themselves but also their families.