Department of Zoonosis and Food Safety
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Item FACTORS AFFECTING CONSUMERS’ CHOICE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS TYPE IN SENDAAFA TOWN(Mekelle University, 2024-02-28) Regasa ChalaAll consumers' of dairy products has his/her own products type choice. Dairy product type reflect confident factor affecting beforehand buying products. The objective of this study was to analyze the factors affecting consumers ‘choice of dairy product type in Sendafa town. The predicted variables involved in this research are dairy product type price, quality safety, promotion, nutritional value and product type availability; whereas product type choice is the dependent variable. So the aim of this work was to test consumers’ consume perception for several dairy products type (Raw milk, Pasteurized milk, yoghurt, Cottage cheese and butter) to evaluate the factors affecting consumers’ choice for dairy product type in study area. Relevant literatures have been reviewed in considering the idea and to find major factors that affect consumer dairy product type. Open questionnaires were distributed to nominated sample respondents by means of structured questionnaire and talk administered by the student to 350 consumers' the Committee housing units using dairy products. The respondent be located sampled based on simple random sampling and consumer were sampled using Committee housing units as this research, single housing unit symbolized single person technique. For Data analyzing through SPSS, Descriptive and multiple regression used. The results show that consumers’ using buying of dairy products increasing significantly for Raw milk and butter strongly and moderately for cheese and yoghurt and very low for pasteurized milk. So, raw milk and butter were found to be the furthermost chosen product type among encouraged dairy product type in study area. Respondents gender, age, marital status, income level and occupation status are found to be the demographic variables affecting consumers dairy product type considerably. Independent variable found as most factor affecting consumers choice of dairy product type significantly is price. Recommendations founding on the results from the research, for dairy products processor so as to make well and knowledgeable decisions that can be used to factor affect the approach of consumers make product type choice judgment. Dairy products pricing system, standards and regulation have to be regulated. Therefore, it is recommended that the administration of town has to inspire investors both manufacturers and sellers in the dairy sector to satisfy the increasing needs of society.Item Assessment of Dairy Value Chain and Dairy Production Systems in Southern and South Eastern Zone, Tigray, Ethiopia(Mekelle University, 2024-07-21) Haftu Kahsay GebrehiwotThe purpose of this study was to assess dairy value chain and dairy production systems in selected districts from Southern and South Eastern Zone of Tigray. Primary data was collected by interviewing a total of 110 dairy producers in purposively selected in Mehoni and Hintalo districts. The collected data was analyzed using application of appropriate statistical tools and simple descriptive statistics was used to present the results. Majority of the respondents stated that the family size was small sized with 2 to 5 members. About 68 of the respondents head man occupation in the study areas was dairy farming. In the study areas, most owners had 2-5, 5-7, and 7-9 dairy cows respectively. The available land was mainly used for crop and pasture production. Respondents stated that the main purpose of keeping animals was to be used as asset and the reason to start dairy farm was for household food. In the present study, majority of the respondents mentioned that support by government was the main encouragement to start dairy farming. Manual churning using clay pot was the main churning system in the study areas. As mentioned by majority of the respondents raw milk was the main dairy product produced in the area. The main feed resource in the study area was hay followed by crop residue. The main water source for dairy production was water rain catchment. Development agents were the primary source of dairy products marketing in the study areas. About 38 of the respondents stated that raw milk was the primary dairy product consumed in the study areas. Majority of the respondents (56) stated that livestock/dairy potential was the main opportunity for dairy production in the study areas. Lack of credit, poor genetic potential, animal disease and high feed cost as well as availability problem were the main constraints in the study areas. The present study suggested that establishing of dairy producers should get credit support, extension and veterinary servicesItem ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF RAW COW MILK ALONG THE DAIRY VALUE CHAIN IN MEKELLE CITY, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2024-06-28) Gidey AmbayeMilk is still a staple food worldwide, and its quality is critical for its taste, technological properties, and dietary importance. However, milk's complex biochemistry, high water activity, and nutritional content make it an ideal environment for microbial growth and reproduction. The study evaluated raw cow's milk quality based on bacteriological and physicochemical composition among dairy value chain operators in Mekelle City. The study was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024, with a purposive multi-stage sampling strategy and simple random sample procedures. One hundred twenty raw milk samples (Dairy farm, 80; Vendors, 20; Cafeteria, 20) were collected. Furthermore, raw milk constraints were assessed using a questionnaire survey from sampled raw milk participants. Conventional protocols and lactoscan milk analyzer were used to test collected milk samples in the Microbiology laboratory at Mekelle University College of Veterinary Science. Collected milk samples collected from dairy value chain actors were found with an average fat, protein, lactose, SNF, freezing, point, density, and ash, 4.58±0.94%, 3.08±0.27%, 4.58±0.47%, 8.44±0.685%, -0.5395±0.05C0, 1.029±0.0029%, 0.67±0.061%, respectively. The overall bacterial and coliform counts were 1.21x107±1.4x108 and 5.2x104±2.1x105 (median ± IQR), respectively. The primary factors recorded affecting the quality of raw cow milk include limited awareness, poor hygienic standards, a shortage of clean water, inadequate cooling facilities, a lack of quality control systems, and the absence of a payment system based on quality. The study indicated lower milk microbial quality at the cafeteria followed by the vendors, than dairy producers. Therefore, the result highlights the need for a consistent monitoring system under a regulatory bodyItem INVESTIGATING WAR AND SIEGE INFLICTED VETERINARY FACILITIES DAMAGE AND ITS ROLE ON ZOONOTIC DISEASE BURDEN IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN ZONES OF TIGRAY(Mekelle University, 2024-02-25) Smon MulubirhanA cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2023 to February, 2024 to assess the damage and post war functional status on veterinary facilities in selected districts of southern and southeastern zones of Tigray. During the study, 440 respondents who owned animals, six focus group discussions and twelve key informant interviews, as well as, on-site visits to twenty-two veterinary facilities were carried out during the research period. The results shed light on the circumstances, with unanimous recognition of the cessation of veterinary services during the conflict. Furthermore, heightened awareness of zoonotic diseases was noted, with 55.2% attributing their increased spread to veterinary facility destruction. Of the total veterinary facilities visited 81.8% were not functional. The remaining 9.1% and 9.1% were found to be partially and fully functional, respectively. Qualitative insights highlighted pervasive infrastructure damage, resource loss, and challenges in staff availability and expertise, impeding disease monitoring and management efforts. The targeting of veterinary facilities reflects global patterns observed in conflict zones, amplifying risks to both animal and human health. Urgent interventions are imperative to rebuild veterinary facilities, reinstate health education programs, and enhance disease surveillance. Community involvement in reconstruction efforts is crucial for context-specific interventions. Furthermore, strengthening zoonotic disease surveillance and education are essential for mitigating health risks in the conflict affected areas of southern and southeastern zones of Tigray.Item BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS PREVALENCE, POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS AND ITS PUBLIC AWARENESS IN DAIRY AND HUMANS, IN AND AROUND SHIRE INDASILASE, TIGRAY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2024-02-25) Negasi ArefayneA cross-sectional study was carried out from December, 2018 to May, 2019 on 382 heads live cattle selected using systematic random sampling technique recruited in 109 households/farms to investigate prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) using comparative intra dermal tuberculin test (CIDT) and identifying the risk factors concomitant in cattle as well as to assess the public health awareness through questionnaires towards bovine tuberculosis in and around Shire Indasilase town, Northern Ethiopia. The overall prevalence of bovine tuberculosis animal and herd level in cattle was 39 (10.20%) and 29 (26.61%) with ≥ 4 mm at cut-off in skin thickness increase respectively. Relatively, the occurrence of bovine tuberculosis was had less likely in cattle found in Tahtay korero district (OR =10.020, 95% CI: 513-2.041) than shire Indasilase town. univarate logistic regression analysis identified associated risk factors of age, breed, body condition score, lactation and pregnancy as well as study site, herd size, farm system, management status, type of house, respiratory problem and Wild animal were statistically significant. BTB positivity was cross breed had more sensitive being BTB positivity twice (OR= 2.36, 95% CI: 1.138-4.890) than local breed. While pregnant cow had higher BTB prevalence (OR= 4.33, 95% CI: 1.461-12.857) than non-pregnant cow. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was statically significance associated with Breed, body condition, pregnancy, and lactation. The present study revealed that relatively low prevalence of a diseases in cattle and also poor awareness of the respondents on zoonotic implication of bovine tuberculosis. There should be segregation and practice of boiling of raw milk before consumption at home and awareness creation should be done for the whole society about bovine tuberculosis and its mode of transmission.Item ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS DOG-MEDIATED RABIES IN ENDERTA DISTRICT, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA: A MIXED METHODS APPROACH(Mekelle University, 2024-12-25) Mebrahtu GebreselassieRabies is a neglected viral zoonotic disease prevalent in the tropics that significantly impacts developing countries like Ethiopia, primarily transmitted by domestic dogs, causing severe health risks and death to both humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community towards dogmediated rabies in the Enderta district, Tigray, Ethiopia, from January 2024 to December 2024. Tabias were selected purposively, and a systematic random sampling technique was employed for the selection of sample units. Data were collected from 437 households through face-to-face interviews using a pretested and structured questionnaire. In addition to this, six focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) were performed to collect qualitative data. The data were then analyzed using STATA statistical software version 13 for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Descriptive statistical techniques, Pearson’s chi-squares analysis, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the respondent had good knowledge (63.1%), good attitude (51.4%), and poor practice (43%). However, only 6.6% of respondents were aware of the causative agent of rabies disease. Although 88.3% of the respondents knew about vaccination as a means of rabies prevention, only 23.1% of the respondents practiced dog vaccination. Educated respondents were 8.91 times (AOR = 8.91; 95% CI: 1.070, 74.302) and 36.68 times (AOR = 36.68; 95% CI: 4.477, 300.485) more likely to have good knowledge and practices against rabies compared to respondents with non-formal education. Respondents who had dogs were 2.69 times (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.703, 4.274) more likely to have a favorable attitude about rabies compared to respondents who had no dogs. Generally, these findings indicate that the Enderta district community has good knowledge and attitude and poor practice about rabies; however, there are gaps in the community’s knowledge and attitudes regarding rabies. Therefore, educational outreach should be conducted to ensure accurate knowledge and attitudes and improve practices about rabies in the study areaItem Investigation of Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metal Contamination in Honey from Selected Districts of the Tigray Region, Ethiopia(Mekelle University, 2024-12-25) Hagos TsegayThis study was conducted to assess the physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in honey sourced from selected districts in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to December 2024, in which representative pooled honey samples (500 grams per district) were collected from six purposively selected districts. The physicochemical parameters: hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) levels, free acidity, color, moisture content, electrical conductivity, ash content, and pH were analyzed, while concentrations of metals were also determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The findings revealed moisture content ranging from 16.8% to 20.5%, electrical conductivity between 0.215 and 0.645 mS/cm, pH values from 4.44 to 5.505, free acidity levels between 8.5 and 23 meq/kg, ash content from 0.045% to 0.29%, and HMF concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 15.95 mg/kg. The physicochemical characteristics of the honey complied with European, national, and Codex Alimentarius standards, confirming its quality and safety for human consumption. The validity of the analytical methods was confirmed by recovery rates for heavy metals ranging from 95.5% to 105% in spiking experiments. The highest concentration of heavy metals was found for iron (Fe), which ranged from 6.58 to 25.36 mg/kg, followed by manganese (Mn) at 0.06–2.74 mg/kg, zinc (Zn) at 0.01–1.90 mg/kg, and copper (Cu) at 0.04–0.19 mg/kg; lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) were not detected in any samples, indicating the absence of these potentially toxic heavy metals in the honey analyzed. Overall, these findings are suggesting a good quality of honey production in the study area. However, regular monitoring of both physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels in honey is crucial for ensuring consumer safety and maintaining market standards, alongside further research into honey quality and safety practices.Item ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF DAIRY FARM OWNERS TOWARDS FEED BORNE AFLATOXIN IN SELECTED ZONES OF TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2025-06-17) Smaon TekiaAflatoxin contamination in dairy value chains poses a critical public health and economic challenge in Ethiopia and Tigray region, where dairy farming is a vital livelihood. Despite the region’s vulnerability to food safety threats, information about aflatoxin there is insufficient documentation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of dairy farm owners towards aflatoxin. A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected sites; Adigrat, Mekelle, Maychew, from November, 2024 to June 2025. Quantitative Data were collected from 362 dairy farm owners through face-toface interviews using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Moreover, four FGDs and 42 KIIs were performed to collect qualitative data. The current study revealed that the respondents had an overall poor knowledge, with 81.2% demonstrating inadequate understanding of aflatoxins. Only 34.3% of participants were aware that toxins produced in moldy animal feed can be transmitted to humans through milk consumption. Additionally, 47.8% recognized that moldy feed can affect the health of their animals. Regarding attitude, majority of respondents (82.3%) exhibited an overall unfavorable attitude towards aflatoxin, with 69.9% believed that aflatoxins present in moldy feed cannot be transferred to milk consumers. In terms of practice, higher proportion (90.3%) of the respondents showed poor practices, as only 28.5% stored their animal feed (both concentrate and roughage) in barns or sheds that are protected from excessive humidity and sunlight. Respondents from Mekelle city were 8.5 times (AOR=8.5; 95% CI: 2.830, 25.854) more likely to have good knowledge about aflatoxin compared to respondents from Maychew town and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Moreover, respondents with age group >45 years old were 13.3 times (AOR = 13.3; 95% CI: 1.423,125.942) more likely to have good knowledge towards aflatoxin compared to respondents with the age group between 18-29 years old and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Generally, the dairy farm owners of the study area had an overall poor knowledge, attitude and practice towards aflatoxin. Therefore, targeted education and strengthened extension services are urgently needed to improve dairy farm owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards aflatoxin.Item ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL QUALITY, AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RAW COW MILK ACROSS DAIRY SUPPLY CHAINS OF AGULAE TOWN, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2025-06-18) Hailay Gebretnsae BerhaneRaw cow milk is a key food source in Ethiopia, but it poses significant health risks due to microbial contamination and poor handling practices. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial and physicochemical quality of raw cow milk across milk supply chains (farms, vendors, and cafeterias) in Agulae town, Tigray. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2024 to April 2025; involving 83 raw milk samples collected using a proportional cluster sampling technique. Microbial loads (total bacterial count, total coliform count, and total yeast and mold count and physicochemical properties were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The results revealed a concerning escalation of bacterial contamination as milk moved through the supply chain. Total Bacterial Count increased significantly (p<0.001) from farms (6.67 log10 CFU/mL) to vendors (7.07 log10 CFU/mL) and cafeterias (7.37 log10 CFU/mL). Similarly, Total Coliform Count was significantly (p<0.001) higher in cafeterias (6.33 ± 0.31 log₁₀ CFU/mL) and vendors (6.09 ± 0.70 log₁₀ CFU/mL) than in farms (5.04 ± 0.85 log₁₀ CFU/mL). Additionally, total yeast and mold counts were also high (overall mean = 4.05±0.41 log₁₀ CFU/mL) but did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) across the milk supply chain. The overall mean (mean ± SD%) of raw cow milk physicochemical parameters, including added water content (0.19 ± 0.84%), temperature of milk (18.49 ± 3.30°C), freezing point (-0.55 ± 0.02°C), pH (7.04 ± 0.19), fat (4.17 ± 1.36%), lactose (4.70 ± 0.23%), solids-not-fat (SNF) (8.57 ± 0.41%), protein (3.15 ± 0.18%), total solids (12.75 ± 0.96%), and ash content (0.70 ± 0.03%), have no significant (p > 0.05) variations across the chains. Several risk factors linked to higher bacterial counts, including sex, educational status, marital status, types of milk supply chains, hand washing before milking, and time of milk, were identified. These findings expose critical hygiene and handling gaps, particularly at the vendor and cafeteria levels, driving substantial microbial contamination. Targeted interventions, such as hygiene milk handling training and infrastructure improvements, are strongly recommended to bolster the safety of the dairy farms and protect consumers.