Unveiling Misconceptions among Small-Scale Farmers Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose potential health threats to small-scale farmers of grazing animals in the upper highlands of Balochistan, Pakistan. This study was conducted based on a questionnaire survey involving 153 farmers of grazing animals in seven districts to access their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, based on Fisher's test, were used to assess risk factors for determining preventive measures. The findings revealed a low level of knowledge among the participants. For instance, there was a lack of awareness of the effects of climate change and the economic impact of ticks on animal health. The essential precautions, such as the non-indiscriminate use of acaricides, wearing dark-colored clothing, and limiting children's interaction with grazing animals, were often overlooked. However, the farmers had a positive attitude towards tick control, but they mostly relied on the knowledge of local communities. The neglect of such measures places these farmers and their children at risk of contracting TBDs. This study also indicates minimal involvement from the government in educating farmers and controlling ticks. The role of stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, veterinary doctors, and local farmer communities, is crucial to address these issues and to implement effective training programs that address misconceptions about ticks and TBDs. Overall, this study highlights the importance of implementing awareness and education programs to address the misconceptions about ticks and TBDs among farmers.

Keywords: attitude; farmers; grazing animals; knowledge; practices; tick-borne diseases; ticks.

Figure 1

Map of the study area including seven districts of Balochistan (map was designed using ArcGIS version 10).

Figure 2

General overview of participants.

Figure 3

Knowledge-based results in the context of ticks and tick-borne diseases (all numbers in %).

Figure 4

Attitude-based results in the context of ticks and tick-borne diseases (all numbers in %).

Figure 5

Practice-based results in the context of ticks and tick-borne diseases (all numbers in %).

Figure 6

Percentage distribution scores of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) survey in each district.

Figure 7

The interconnected roles of key stakeholders, i.e., government, NGOs, veterinary doctors, and rural communities, in enhancing knowledge and practices related to tick management and tick-borne diseases.