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

Ginayatov N. Aitpayeva Z. Zhubantayev I. Kassymbekova L. Zhanabayev A. Abulgazimova G. Arynova R. Bizhanov A. Mussayeva A. Berdikulov M. Aisin M. Sayakova Z. Tursunkulov S. Rametov N. Akhmadiyeva A. Bulasheva A. Jussupbekova N. Yeskhojayev O. Baikadamova G. Kushaliyev K. Burambayeva N. Issimov A.
April 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Veterinary Sciences
2025 #12 Issue 4

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.

attitudes , Kazakhstan , knowledge , practices , rabies , rabies prevention

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Laboratory of Biotechnology and Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, Zhangir KhanWest Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University, Oral, 030000, Kazakhstan
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhangir KhanWest Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University, Oral, 030000, Kazakhstan
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Industrial Technologies, Innovative University of Eurasia, Pavlodar, 140000, Kazakhstan
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Hunting and Fisheries, Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Bacteriology, Kazakh Research Veterinary Institute, Almaty, 050016, Kazakhstan
Department of Veterinary Medicine, A. Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University, Kostanay, 110000, Kazakhstan
Department of Geospatial Data Science, Institute of Ionosphere, Almaty, 050016, Kazakhstan
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shakarim University, Semey, 071412, Kazakhstan
Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Almaty, 050016, Kazakhstan
Department of Plague Microbiology and Epidemiology, Masgut Aikimbayev’s National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, 050016, Kazakhstan
Department of Zootechnology, Genetics and Breeding, Toraighyrov University, Pavlodar, 140000, Kazakhstan
Department of Biology, K. ZhubanovAktobe Regional University, Aktobe, 030000, Kazakhstan

Laboratory of Biotechnology and Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Industrial Technologies
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Hunting and Fisheries
Department of Bacteriology
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Geospatial Data Science
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Parasitology
Department of Plague Microbiology and Epidemiology
Department of Zootechnology
Department of Biology

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