Summary
This cross-sectional study of 558 households in northern Tanzania quantified the economic burden of cerebral coenurosis in small ruminants and assessed farmer knowledge and control practices. Despite high awareness (≈90%), farmers demonstrated limited knowledge (36.6% average score) yet showed strong willingness (94%) to participate in and fund control measures. The findings suggest that educational interventions on disease epidemiology and control strategies, combined with community engagement, could support sustainable disease management in resource-limited settings.
UK applicability
Cerebral coenurosis is not endemic to the UK and the epidemiological context differs substantially. However, the study's methodological approach to quantifying livestock disease economic burden and farmer knowledge-attitude-practice gaps may inform disease surveillance and control communication strategies for other parasitic diseases affecting UK livestock systems.
Key measures
Total annual economic loss (TZS and USD); average annual household financial loss; knowledge score (out of 16); percentage of respondents aware of disease; percentage willing to participate in control; attitudes and practices regarding coenurosis control
Outcomes reported
The study quantified annual economic losses from cerebral coenurosis in sheep and goats across two Tanzanian districts, and assessed farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding disease control. It found substantial household financial losses, high awareness but low knowledge scores, and willingness to participate in control interventions.
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