Managing African animal trypanosomiasis in Benin: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle owners in the West Atacora zone.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT), transmitted by tsetse flies, severely constrains livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. In Benin, limited governmental control initiatives and widespread drug misuse have raised concerns about emerging trypanocidal resistance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle farmers in the Atacora and Donga departments of northern Benin and identify behaviors contributing to the persistence and drug resistance of AAT.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to December 2024 among 201 cattle farmers selected through stratified random sampling across five districts. Data were collected using a semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed with R software employing descriptive statistics and comparative tests (χ2, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis).

RESULTS

Awareness of tsetse flies and their role in AAT transmission was high (84%), but only 24% recognized insecticide-based vector control as an effective method. The predominant control strategy involved trypanocides - mainly diminazene aceturate (81%) and isometamidium chloride (71%) - with 99% of participants administering these drugs. Notably, 42% sourced trypanocides from illicit markets, and 22% practiced self-medication. Most farmers (56%) treated their cattle twice yearly, yet 65% failed to observe withdrawal periods, and 59% reported therapeutic failures. Only 12% had received formal training in AAT management.

CONCLUSION

Despite high disease awareness, poor adherence to recommended control practices and the prevalent misuse of trypanocides, particularly through informal markets, pose serious threats to sustainable AAT management. There is an urgent need for integrated risk communication and policy-driven interventions promoting responsible drug use and vector control in northern Benin.