Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of abattoir workers about Taenia solium cysticercosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

The tapeworm, Taenia solium, is the cause of cysticercosis, a neglected zoonotic disease that poses a significant global threat to animal and public health. Data were collected between May and June 2024 using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire (n = 152) comprising demographic items and sections on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The knowledge section included basic conceptual questions such as “Have you ever heard about the word zoonosis?” and disease-specific items such as “Taenia solium can be contracted through the consumption of undercooked pork Yes or No?” Additional questions assessed recognition of cysts, understanding of transmission pathways, and hygiene and inspection practices relevant to daily work routines. This is important for disseminating knowledge about prevention measures among communities. Most respondents were unfamiliar with the disease, with only 12.5% (n = 19) demonstrating a good understanding of the source and transmission of T. solium. The attitudes of the workers were negative or just moderate (63.2%), specifically toward hygiene in the abattoirs, personnel training, and the fate of infected carcasses. However, a good level of practice (90.2%) was achieved regarding sanitation and disposal of condemned carcasses, which can be attributed to management regulations rather than workers' concerns. There is a need to enhance awareness among abattoir workers about the public health and economic consequences of T. solium infection, thereby improving their knowledge of the disease and its transmission. This can be beneficial to the rest of the community, especially pork consumers, in preventing the continuous spread of cysticercosis.

PLAIN SUMMARY This research examined the level of knowledge among slaughterhouse workers in South Africa regarding Taenia solium, a tapeworm that can lead to severe illness in pigs and humans. Humans and animals contract infections by consuming food or water that contains the parasite's eggs. Given that abattoir workers frequently manage pork, they must understand how the disease transmits and the methods to avert it. To gain further insights, we distributed questionnaires to 152 employees in the Eastern Cape Province. Most of them had minimal knowledge about the disease, with only a few demonstrating a solid understanding. We additionally discovered that age, gender, or education did not influence their level of knowledge. The findings indicate a critical requirement for training initiatives to assist abattoir employees in comprehending and mitigating the transmission of this detrimental illness.

CORE IDEAS • Abattoir workers play a crucial role in the detection and prevention of Taenia solium transmission due to their involvement in pork processing. • Lack of formal training on zoonotic diseases and food safety presents a barrier to disease control. • Targeted educational interventions are urgently needed to improve workers’ understanding and practices related to T. solium, thereby reducing risks to public and animal health.