Smallholder Cattle Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Rabies: A Regional Survey in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Rabies remains a significant public health and economic concern in Kazakhstan, particularly in rural livestock-farming communities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to rabies among livestock farmers in the Aktobe and Oral regions of West Kazakhstan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and August 2022, involving 688 randomly selected participants. The data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that 89% of respondents were aware of rabies, yet significant knowledge gaps existed regarding clinical signs, transmission, and prevention. While 87% recognized the importance of rabies vaccination in dogs, 81% were unaware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for cattle, and 72% lacked knowledge of PrEP for humans. Awareness of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen was significantly higher in the Aktobe region (p < 0.002). Attitudinal differences were observed, with the Oral region participants exhibiting more favorable perceptions of rabies control programs (p < 0.01). Additionally, the χ² test revealed that the proportion of female respondents (p < 0.02), those with school-aged dependents (p < 0.003), respondents owning both exotic and indigenous cattle breeds (p < 0.002), and those possessing more than five cattle (p < 0.025) was statistically different in the Oral region. Practices such as free grazing, lack of protective equipment use, and improper carcass disposal were identified as potential risk factors for rabies transmission. This study highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve rabies awareness and promote safer livestock management practices. Enhancing veterinary surveillance, strengthening community engagement, and expanding vaccination efforts could mitigate rabies transmission risks.

Keywords: Kazakhstan; attitudes; knowledge; practices; rabies; rabies prevention.

Figure 1

Selected districts of West Kazakhstan region for rabies KAP study. The black-marked region highlights cattle distribution density, which is a key factor in understanding rabies transmission risks. Areas with higher cattle populations may have increased livestock exposure to rabid wildlife or stray dogs, necessitating enhanced surveillance and vaccination efforts. Cattle population data were sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization [15].

Figure 2

Distribution of participants who were aware of rabies (A) and had observed a rabies case in either dogs or livestock (B), classified by study regions (n = 688).

Figure 3

Comparison of participants with adequate/inadequate knowledge of rabies (A) and those with favorable/unfavorable attitudes toward rabies prevention and control programs (B), classified by study regions (n = 615).