Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding biosecurity and factors influencing zoonotic disease prevention and antimicrobial resistance risk among small-scale livestock farmers in North West Province, South Africa: A One Health perspective

Résumé

biosecurity can facilitate zoonotic disease transmission and may increase reliance on antimicrobials, particularly in resource-constrained livestock production systems with limited veterinary support. However, evidence integrating farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), zoonotic disease awareness, biosecurity adoption, and antimicrobial use patterns remains limited among small-scale livestock farmers in South Africa. This study aimed to assess KAP regarding biosecurity and zoonotic disease prevention, characterize antimicrobial use patterns, and identify factors associated with biosecurity adoption among small-scale livestock farmers in the North West Province, South Africa, from a One Health perspective. Materials and Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey from December 2025 to February 2026 among small-scale livestock farmers in five villages in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Using purposive non-probability sampling, 200 farmers were approached, of whom 151 participated (75.5% response rate). Trained personnel administered a structured questionnaire covering biosecurity and zoonotic disease KAP, implementation barriers, veterinary service access, and antimicrobial use. Composite KAP outcomes were constructed, and descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30.0; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Only 43.7% (66/151) of respondents were aware of zoonotic diseases. Regular vaccination was reported by 59.6% (90/151), whereas quarantine (16.6%, 25/151), proper waste and carcass disposal (24.5%, 37/151), and regular veterinary access (9.9%, 15/151) were poorly implemented. Lack of infrastructure (73.5%), financial constraints (70.9%), and lack of awareness (64.9%) were prominent barriers. Zoonotic disease awareness was strongly associated with knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 46.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.78–157.88; p < 0.001), while veterinary visits or consultations were strongly associated with biosecurity practices (AOR = 12.80; 95% CI: 2.35–69.80; p = 0.003). Tetracyclines accounted for 94.8% of reported antimicrobial use. Conclusion: Substantial gaps exist between favorable perceptions of biosecurity and its practical implementation. Limited veterinary access, inadequate zoonotic disease awareness, structural constraints, and predominant reported use of tetracycline-based products identify priority areas for One Health interventions. Although antimicrobial resistance was not directly measured, these findings identify conditions potentially relevant to AMR risk warranting strengthened veterinary extension, farmer education, biosecurity support, antimicrobial stewardship, and integrated surveillance. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, biosecurity, livestock farmers, North West Province, One Health, tetracyclines, veterinary services, zoonotic diseases.

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