# Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Thai Slaughterhouse Personnel Regarding Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance: A Multi-Regional One Health Assessment

## TL;DR

This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Thai slaughterhouse workers regarding bovine tuberculosis surveillance and identifies training and collaboration as key to improving disease control.

## Contribution

The study introduces a One Health approach to evaluate slaughterhouse personnel's KAP and identifies specific risk factors affecting bTB surveillance effectiveness in Thailand.

## Key findings

- Moderate knowledge and varying attitudes among slaughterhouse workers regarding bovine tuberculosis surveillance.
- Lack of training and insufficient health screening are major risk factors affecting surveillance effectiveness.
- Higher education and managerial roles correlate with better understanding of surveillance requirements.

## Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) surveillance in slaughterhouses plays a crucial role in protecting both animal and public health. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of personnel working in Thai slaughterhouses regarding bTB surveillance. We surveyed 208 workers across Thailand’s five geographical regions, including facility owners, managers, meat inspectors, and operational staff. Our findings reveal moderate levels of knowledge and varying attitudes toward surveillance practices. Importantly, we found that lack of training and insufficient health screening were major risk factors affecting surveillance effectiveness. Workers with higher education levels and those in managerial positions showed better understanding of surveillance requirements. This study highlights the need for comprehensive training programs and stronger collaboration between different sectors involved in disease control. These findings can help improve bTB surveillance systems in Thailand and provide insights for other countries facing similar challenges in controlling zoonotic diseases.

This cross-sectional study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding bovine tuberculosis surveillance and analyzed factors influencing KAP among Thai slaughterhouse personnel, utilizing a One Health approach. A validated questionnaire was administered to 208 participants across five geographical regions of Thailand. Statistical analysis revealed moderate mean scores for knowledge (5.28/10), attitudes (38.55/65), and practices (34.62/50). Significant differences were observed in knowledge scores across education levels (F = 3.427, p = 0.005) and job positions (F = 4.562, p = 0.011), with higher education and managerial positions being associated with better performance. Path analysis demonstrated positive correlations among KAP components (p < 0.05), with the strongest correlation between attitudes and practices (r = 0.543). The most significant risk factors for poor practices were identified as lack of training (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.45–5.24, p = 0.002) and inadequate tuberculosis screening (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.18–4.52, p = 0.015). The Knowledge–Practice gap index of −31.14 indicated substantial discrepancy between knowledge and implementation. Developing targeted training programs is needed by focusing on knowledge enhancement and awareness-building, as well as fostering inter-agency collaboration in line with the One Health approach enhance the efficiency of bovine tuberculosis surveillance in Thailand.