Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies

Molapo, Ditebogo Sharon; Makwarela, Tsireledzo Goodwill; Seoraj-Pillai, Nimmi; Madiseng, Mogaletloa Eugene; Nangammbi, Tshifhiwa Constance

doi:10.3390/parasitologia6010002

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Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies

by

Ditebogo Sharon Molapo

^*

,

Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela

,

Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai

,

Mogaletloa Eugene Madiseng

and

Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi

Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Staatsartillerie Rd, Pretoria West, Pretoria 0183, South Africa

^*

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Parasitologia 2026, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6010002

Submission received: 10 November 2025 / Revised: 16 December 2025 / Accepted: 25 December 2025 / Published: 31 December 2025

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites Circulation Between the Three Domains of One Health)

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Abstract

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant threat to livestock productivity and rural livelihoods in South Africa, particularly among resource-poor communal farmers. This narrative review synthesises findings from case studies on communal farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward TBDs and their control. The analysis reveals that while many farmers can identify TBDs and their symptoms, significant gaps exist in understanding acaricide resistance and effective tick management. Socioeconomic factors, including age, gender, education, and access to veterinary services, strongly influence knowledge and practices. Indigenous ethnoveterinary practices are commonly used alongside conventional methods, although their efficacy remains understudied. The review emphasises the importance of integrated pest management, participatory approaches, and targeted awareness campaigns. A One Health framework is recommended to enhance surveillance, collaboration, and sustainable TBD control. Empowering farmers through training and inclusive communication strategies is crucial for mitigating the impacts of TBDs on communal farming systems.

Keywords: communal farmers; tick-borne diseases; knowledge; attitudes and practices; acaricide resistance; integrated pest management; One Health

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MDPI and ACS Style

Molapo, D.S.; Makwarela, T.G.; Seoraj-Pillai, N.; Madiseng, M.E.; Nangammbi, T.C. Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies. Parasitologia 2026, 6, 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6010002

AMA Style

Molapo DS, Makwarela TG, Seoraj-Pillai N, Madiseng ME, Nangammbi TC. Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies. Parasitologia. 2026; 6(1):2. https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6010002

Chicago/Turabian Style

Molapo, Ditebogo Sharon, Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai, Mogaletloa Eugene Madiseng, and Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi. 2026. "Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies" Parasitologia 6, no. 1: 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6010002

APA Style

Molapo, D. S., Makwarela, T. G., Seoraj-Pillai, N., Madiseng, M. E., & Nangammbi, T. C. (2026). Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies. Parasitologia, 6(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6010002

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Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Communal Farmers Toward Tick-Borne Diseases: Review of South African Case Studies

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