Abstract

Aim and Background: This study aims to assess knowledges and perceptions of cattle farmers regarding Rift Valley Fever in Côte d’Ivoire and analyze related animal and public health challenges.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018 through 296 cattle farmers in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Data were collected using structured interview guide based on the “last twelve months” (12MO) method, including questions on clinical features suggestive of RVF. Sample size was estimated by assuming a prevalence of 50% knowledge of RVF epidemiology, with a standard deviation of 5% and a confidence interval of 95%. Descriptive statistics consisted of proportion calculations, while inferential statistics consisted of chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests to compare proportions between categorical variables.
Results: Results showed a predominance of men (98%), most of whom had low levels of formal education. Cattle farming was mainly urban, with transhumance prevailing in North and sedentary practices in South. Feeding was primarily based on natural pasture, with no supplementation in 87% of cases. Water sources were mainly natural, and 97% of farmers also raised other animal species.
Regarding RVF, only 2.4% of farmers being aware of the disease, all of whom were in urban and suburban areas. Several clinical features of RVF such as anorexia (46.3%), bloody diarrhea (15.5%), abortions (9.8%), and vomiting (11.2%) were frequently observed, especially in transhumant herds. These symptoms varied depending on geographic area and livestock management practices.
Conclusion: Low level of RVF awareness, combined with presence of symptoms, highlights an underestimated health risk.

Key words: Animal and public health, Cattle farmers, Côte d’Ivoire, Risk perceptions, RVF