Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of abattoir workers about Taenia solium cysticercosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The tapeworm, Taenia solium , is the cause of cysticercosis, a neglected zoonotic disease that poses a significant global threat to animal and public health. Data were collected between May and June 2024 using a structured, interviewer‐administered questionnaire ( n = 152) comprising demographic items and sections on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The knowledge section included basic conceptual questions such as “Have you ever heard about the word zoonosis?” and disease‐specific items such as “ Taenia solium can be contracted through the consumption of undercooked pork Yes or No?” Additional questions assessed recognition of cysts, understanding of transmission pathways, and hygiene and inspection practices relevant to daily work routines. This is important for disseminating knowledge about prevention measures among communities. Most respondents were unfamiliar with the disease, with only 12.5% ( n = 19) demonstrating a good understanding of the source and transmission of T . solium . The attitudes of the workers were negative or just moderate (63.2%), specifically toward hygiene in the abattoirs, personnel training, and the fate of infected carcasses. However, a good level of practice (90.2%) was achieved regarding sanitation and disposal of condemned carcasses, which can be attributed to management regulations rather than workers' concerns. There is a need to enhance awareness among abattoir workers about the public health and economic consequences of T. solium infection, thereby improving their knowledge of the disease and its transmission. This can be beneficial to the rest of the community, especially pork consumers, in preventing the continuous spread of cysticercosis.