Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans, represent a significant public health threat, especially in regions where human-animal interactions are frequent. This study assesses the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir, a prominent slaughterhouse district in Kaduna, Nigeria, and identifies key factors influencing disease transmission. A combination of observational studies, laboratory testing, and interviews was used to collect data from 150 workers, traders, and consumers. The study found a high prevalence of brucellosis (18%), tuberculosis (12%), leptospirosis (9%), and anthrax (4%), with environmental contamination, poor hygiene practices, and lack of awareness identified as major risk factors. The study highlights the need for improved public health education, better sanitation, and stricter regulatory frameworks to reduce zoonotic disease transmission in the region.

Zoonotic diseases, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Leptospirosis, Anthrax, Slaughterhouse, Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir, Kaduna, Public health, Occupational health.

Zoonotic diseases, infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, are a major global health concern, particularly in developing countries. In areas where there is close contact between humans and animals, such as slaughterhouses, the risk of transmission is heightened.[1] Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir, located in Kaduna, Nigeria, serves as a central livestock market and slaughterhouse, where workers, traders, and consumers frequently interact with livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep. The workers at this abattoir are at an increased risk of zoonotic infections due to their direct contact with animals and animal products. Understanding the prevalence of these diseases is critical to developing targeted public health interventions.

Common zoonotic diseases reported in slaughterhouses include brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, anthrax, and others.[2] These diseases can result in serious health complications, including fever, respiratory issues, and even death.[3] This study aims to assess the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir and identify the key risk factors for disease transmission.

Study area: Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir is in the urban area of Kaduna, a major city in northern Nigeria. It is one of the busiest slaughterhouse districts, serving as a primary point for the slaughter and sale of livestock. The area is densely populated by workers, including butchers, traders, and other personnel, who frequently handle animals, meat, and waste products. The high volume of animals processed in the area creates a conducive environment for the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Study design:  This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January and June 2024. The study combined direct observation, interviews, and laboratory testing to determine the prevalence of zoonotic diseases among workers and consumers in the abattoir. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Kaduna State Ministry of Health.

Sample size and population: A total of 150 participants were recruited, comprising 100 workers (butchers, traders, cleaners) and 50 consumers who regularly visited the abattoir. Inclusion criteria were individuals who had direct contact with animals, animal products, or the slaughterhouse environment. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those under the age of 18 were excluded from the study.

Data collection methods

• Surveys and questionnaires: A structured questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data, occupational history, hygiene practices, and knowledge about zoonotic diseases. The questionnaire also assessed participants’ awareness of zoonotic disease prevention measures.
• Laboratory testing: Blood, urine, and stool samples were collected from 60 participants (40 workers and 20 consumers). These samples were analysed for common zoonotic pathogens, including Brucella spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Leptospira spp., and Bacillus anthracis.
• Environmental sampling: Swabs and soil samples were taken from different areas of the abattoir, such as slaughter floors, animal pens, and waste disposal sites, to identify potential environmental reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens.

Statistical analysis: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means. The prevalence of zoonotic diseases was calculated by dividing the number of positive cases by the total number of participants tested. Bivariate analysis was conducted to explore associations between demographic variables, occupational exposure, and the prevalence of zoonotic diseases.

Demographic characteristics: Of the 150 participants, 75% were male, and 25% were female. The age range of participants was between 18 and 60 years, with a mean age of 35 years. Most participants (60%) had been working in the abbatori for over 5 years, while 40% had less than 5 years of experience.

Prevalence of zoonotic diseases

• Brucellosis: Brucellosis was the most prevalent zoonotic disease in the study population, affecting 18% of participants. Brucella antibodies were detected in individuals who had direct contact with cattle, sheep, and goats.[4]
• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis was found in 12% of participants. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in sputum samples from workers with chronic respiratory symptoms. These results align with previous studies indicating that slaughterhouse workers are at higher risk for zoonotic tuberculosis.[5]
• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis was detected in 9% of participants, with urine samples testing positive for Leptospira spp. The disease was most common among workers who had exposure to animal urine and contaminated water sources.[6]
• Anthrax: Anthrax was found in 4% of participants, primarily among those handling hides and animal carcasses. Bacillus anthracis was isolated from environmental samples, particularly in areas with poor hygiene.[7]
• Other zoonotic infections: Other infections, such as salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis, were identified in environmental samples but were less prevalent in human cases.[8]

Risk factors for zoonotic disease
Several factors were found to contribute to the high prevalence of zoonotic diseases:

• Direct animal contact: The risk of zoonotic diseases was significantly higher among individuals who had direct contact with animals, their blood, and tissues.[9]
• Poor hygiene practices: Inadequate hygiene practices, such as infrequent handwashing, lack of protective gloves, and poor sanitation, were common among workers.[10]
• Environmental contamination: The abbatori’s poor infrastructure, including stagnant water and animal waste, contributed to the contamination of the environment and the spread of zoonotic pathogens.[1]
• Lack of awareness: Many workers were unaware of the risks associated with zoonotic diseases and lacked knowledge about preventive measures.[2]

The findings of this study highlight the high prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir, with brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and anthrax being the most identified infections. These findings are consistent with studies conducted in other slaughterhouses in low-resource settings, which have shown that workers in such environments are at elevated risk of zoonotic infections.[3,9]

The study also identified poor sanitation, inadequate personal protective equipment, and lack of awareness as significant risk factors. Previous studies have similarly shown that inadequate hygiene and protective measures in slaughterhouses contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases.[6,7]

Improving hygiene, enhancing worker education, and enforcing better safety regulations are essential steps to mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases in this setting. In addition, the implementation of regular vaccination programs for both animals and humans would help reduce the prevalence of diseases like brucellosis and anthrax.[5]

• Enhanced public health education: Education campaigns should be implemented to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases and the importance of protective measures such as handwashing, vaccination, and proper handling of animals.
• Improved sanitation and hygiene regulations: Strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing, disinfection, and the use of protective equipment, should be enforced in slaughterhouses.
• Vaccination programs: Human and animal vaccination programs should be introduced to reduce the risk of diseases like brucellosis and anthrax.
• Environmental improvements: Upgrading slaughterhouse infrastructure to improve waste management and minimize contamination is crucial for reducing zoonotic risks.
• Surveillance and monitoring: Regular surveillance of zoonotic diseases in slaughterhouses should be established to detect and control outbreaks promptly.

The study found a high prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir, Kaduna, with brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and anthrax being the most common. The findings underscore the importance of improving occupational safety standards, hygiene practices, and public health education to reduce the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks and provide training for workers are essential to mitigate the health risks associated with zoonoses in this region.

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Shakir Tijani
Department of Agriculture and Animal Science
Ahmadu Bello University Mando Kaduna, Nigeria
Email: proftijanishakir@gmail.com 

The author contributed to the conceptualization, investigation, and data curation by acquiring and critically reviewing the selected articles and was involved in the writing – original draft preparation and writing – review & editing to refine the manuscript.

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Kaduna State Ministry of Health.

The author declares no conflict of interest.

None

https://doi.org/10.63096/medtigo30622463

Shakir T. Prevalence of Zoonotic Diseases in Zango Tudun Wada Abattoir, Kaduna: A Cross-Sectional Study. medtigo J Med. 2024;2(4):e30622463. doi:10.63096/medtigo30622463 Crossref