Dairy Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Towards Aflatoxin Contamination in Milk and Feeds in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Aflatoxins, primary foodborne mycotoxins, come from Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus fungi. They pose significant health risks to humans and animals, creating a major challenge in the dairy sector. The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dairy farmers regarding aflatoxin contamination in milk and feeds. Conducted as a cross-sectional study in Bahir Dar city between November 2019 and February 2020, this investigation randomly selected 106 dairy farms for data collection. Face-to-face interviews, facilitated by a semistructured questionnaire, were employed. Findings indicate that 59.4% of respondents displayed good knowledge, while a substantial 94.3% exhibited a favorable attitude. Intriguingly, only 1.9% implemented good practices. Notably, the educational background of dairy farmers emerged as a significant factor influencing their KAP (p<0.05). Conversely, various sociodemographic factors did not yield a significant impact on the KAP of dairy farmers. Despite a robust knowledge base and favorable attitudes towards aflatoxin among dairy farmers, the study highlights a significant gap in the implementation of recommended practices. This finding emphasizes the necessity for increased efforts to cultivate and reinforce good practices. Collaborative initiatives involving diverse stakeholders are crucial to reducing aflatoxin contamination in the dairy industry.