Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Rift Valley fever among Livestock Farmers in Uganda

Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease causing livestock abortions, human infections, and major economic losses in Uganda’s cattle corridor, where dense livestock populations and recurrent outbreaks facilitate transmission. Despite its endemic nature, limited data exist on farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices, which are critical for understanding and controlling the disease. Methods A cross-sectional study (January 2021–May 2024) assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding RVF among 150 randomly selected livestock farmers in Isingiro, Kiruhura, Gomba, and Nakasongola districts. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed in STATA 14.2, employing descriptive statistics to summarize KAP. Results Most respondents were male (80.7%) with a mean age of 45 years; 60% had only primary or no formal education. Although 97.3% reported no confirmed RVF cases in their herds, awareness was low: 72.7% could not identify animal symptoms and 76.0% were unaware of human signs. Only 17.3% understood RVF transmission, while 56% recognized vaccination as useful, but none had vaccinated their animals. Unsafe practices were reported, including feeding aborted fetuses to dogs (40%) and discarding them in the bush (40%). Nevertheless, 97.3% reported sick or dead animals to veterinary authorities, and 95.3% had access to veterinary services, though preventive practice uptake remained minimal. Conclusion The study reveals critical gaps in RVF knowledge and widespread unsafe practices among farmers, despite access to veterinary services, highlighting the need for targeted education, improved vaccine access, and strengthened One Health-based interventions.