Abstract

Background:
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, causing significant economic losses to the livestock industry. The reemergence of FMD in Indonesia after a considerable disease-free period necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral factors of farmers.

Aim:
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of livestock farmers in West Timor regarding the risks of FMD introduction and transmission in East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT), Indonesia.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of 290 livestock farmers was conducted using structured questionnaires. KAP indicators were assessed as absent (0), low, moderate, or high using a five-point Likert scale.

Results:
Low knowledge of FMD clinical signs and vaccination was observed in 48.6% and 52.8% of farmers, respectively. Education level was significantly associated with the KAP category (χ² = 18.62, df = 8, p = 0.002). Farmers with secondary education or higher were more likely to demonstrate high KAP levels (odds ratio = 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.31–4.65, p = 0.005).

Conclusion:
Livestock farmers in West Timor generally exhibited low to moderate levels of FMD-related knowledge and preventive practices. This study provides one of the first empirical assessments of FMD-related KAP among cattle farmers in West Timor and identifies education as a key determinant of preventive behavior, providing evidence to support risk-based extension and disease control strategies.

Key words: Foot-and-mouth disease; Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices; Livestock farmers; West Timor.