Livestock production sector could be responsible for zoonotic diseases which have public health and economic importance. The present study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about zoonotic diseases among smallholder cattle farmers in Gicumbi District of Rwanda. The data were collected from 120 randomly farmers through a Semi-structured questionnaire, then coded and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) software. The results show that the majority (93.33% and 72.50%) of the interviewed farmers knew that diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa. The majority (93.33%) of the farmers knew at least one zoonotic disease. The mostly known zoonotic diseases were Tuberculosis (72.32%), Worm infestation (61.61%), Brucellosis (12.50%), Rabies (10.71%) and Anthrax (7.14%). The two main sources of information regarding the zoonotic diseases were the radio and health officials as demonstrated by 62.50% and 47.32%, respectively. A considerable proportion of respondents had practices and attitudes like consumption of raw milk (14.2%), not washing hands after contact with animals (16.8%) and sharing some vessels with animals (36.7%) that increase the risk of zoonosis transmission. The results show that knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards zoonosis are still low and need improvement. This study recommended a thorough public awareness emphasizing on control and prevention of zoonotic diseases through mass media and public talks. The study further recommended an incorporation of the module about zoonosis in farmers’ training and meetings.

Keywords: Attitudes; Dairy farmers; Diseases; Knowledge; Practices; Transmission; Zoonoses.