Abstract

Background: Food-borne diseases are contributing to health burdens globally, especially in developing countries. In India, milk production is important for nutrition security, but milk products are prone to contamination with pathogens. In Assam, a state in Northeast India, a novel hygiene intervention was conducted in 2009–2011, and the knowledge, attitudes and practices among milk producers, milk traders and sweet makers were assessed.Methods: The first survey was conducted in 2009 and included 405 producers, 175 traders and 220 sweet makers from 4 districts. The second survey was conducted in 2012 with 161 producers and 226 traders from 2 districts, both trained and untrained participants. In addition to questionnaires, observations on hygiene were done and samples were analysed for Escherichia coli.Results: In 2009 only 13.0%, 9.1%, and 33.1% of producers, traders and sweet makers respectively believed diseases could be transmitted by milk. There were significant improvements in knowledge after training among both traders and producers. The proportion of samples containing added water decreased from 2009 to 2012. Although knowledge had increased, all samples tested contained E. coli.Conclusion: This study shows a need to increase knowledge about milk-borne diseases and hygiene, and the positive effect of a training intervention.

Published in

Infection Ecology & Epidemiology
2018, Volume: 8, number: 1, article number: 1555444

SLU Authors

• Lindahl, Johanna

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
  • Uppsala University

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Pedagogical Work


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20008686.2018.1555444

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/110706