Faiza Riaz1, Muhammad Ashraf2, Muhammad Usman3, Maryam Bashir4, Waqar Ahmed5, Muhammad Suleman6, Muhammad Adnan Sabir Mughal5, Shermeen Maroof7, Muhiuddin Shah7 and Qurah Tul Ain Fatima8
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan 2Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan 3Department of Livestock Management, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan 4Department of Pathobiology and Biomedical Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan 5Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 6Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 7Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan 8Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: faiza.riaz412@gmail.com
Nipah virus is an important zoonotic disease transmitted primarily by Pteropus bats, the primary reservoirs for this virus. Seasonal outbreaks of Nipah virus infection have been observed in Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and India. Infection causes respiratory signs like coughing, sore throat, and difficulty in breathing as well as nervous signs like drowsiness, disorientation, and mental confusion in humans and various animals. Currently, no vaccine is available for this disease, and a One Health approach, including appropriate surveillance and adequate preventive measures, is necessary to prevent the future emergence of this disease in high-risk areas. Although no cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in Pakistan, outbreaks can occur in Pakistan in the future, due to the presence of the Pteropus bat population and recently recorded outbreaks in neighboring countries. Due to the future potential of Nipah virus infection outbreaks in Pakistan, a KAP survey was conducted, encompassing a large variety of veterinary students and practitioners from all over Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Nipah virus. The information regarding associated risk factors was collected on a pre-designed questionnaire. The chi-square test was used to identify significant differences in veterinary students' and practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. None of the chi-square values were statistically significant (P>0.05). The survey results also indicated a lack of knowledge and preparedness among veterinarians for future Nipah virus infection outbreaks, with little concern towards its prevention and control.