Knowledge of and protection practices against zoonotic diseases among goat owners in Indiana

Approximately 60% of human pathogens and 75% of emerging human diseases are zoonotic. Awareness of zoonotic diseases can facilitate communication between clients and health care providers, improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, but public awareness cannot be assumed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the awareness of and protection practices against zoonotic diseases, particularly Q fever, among goat owners in Indiana and to assess the association between the characteristics of goat ownership and knowledge of zoonotic diseases. A convenience sample of goat owners (n=95) were surveyed about their goat ownership, perceived risks of goat ownership, knowledge of zoonotic diseases carried by goats and Q fever, and usages of protective equipment. The majority (56%) of the participants did not think that there are risks to humans associated with owning goats. Sixty-nine (73%) of the owners recognized that goats are carriers of zoonotic diseases, with ringworm being most frequently identified. Only 32% (n=30) had heard of Q fever and 70% of them identified it as a zoonotic disease. Among the respondents, 28% wore gloves, 30% wore coveralls, 5% wore goggles and 6% wore face masks while working with goats. Logistic regression revealed that owners having goats for pets were less likely to have knowledge of Q fever (odds ratio=0.4; p=0.043) and to know that goats are carriers of zoonotic disease (odds ratio=0.3; p=0.041) compared to owners having goats for other purposes. The study findings indicate an urgent need of public health education for goat owners regarding zoonotic disease prevention.