Poor Level of Knowledge About Fascioliasis Among Slaughter Officers and Beef Liver Traders in Traditional Markets and Its Infection in Beef Liver
Abstract
Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2022, Jember Regency ranked fourth in East Java for the highest number of beef cattle commodities. One of the food products derived from cattle is beef liver, which must be kept safe to prevent foodborne diseases, such as fascioliasis. The distribution process of beef liver involves slaughterhouse (RPH) workers and market traders. This study was aimed to determine the differences in the level of knowledge about fascioliasis between slaughterhouse workers and beef liver traders in traditional markets, as well as its infection in beef liver. This research was a descriptive analytic study with a cross-sectional design, conducted at slaughterhouses and all traditional markets in Kaliwates, Ambulu, and Silo Districts from August to December 2024. The respondents consisted of 17 slaughterhouse workers and 24 beef liver traders. A total of six beef liver samples were taken from slaughterhouses and 24 from traditional markets. Knowledge levels regarding fascioliasis were assessed using questionnaires, while Fasciola spp. was identified in liver samples. Bivariate analysis showed no significant difference in knowledge levels between slaughterhouse workers and beef liver traders (p>0.05) namely poor level of knowledge, nor in Fasciola spp. infection rates between liver samples from slaughterhouses and those from traditional markets (p>0.05). These findings suggest that both groups have limited awareness of Fasciola spp., infection and its health impact. Therefore, enhanced education, outreach, and monitoring of fascioliasis are necessary to prevent foodborne diseases.
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