INTRODUCTION:
Poor biosecurity of farms in small-scale livestock farming systems leads to risks of zoonotic illnesses. We evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of small-scale farmers in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North-West Province, South Africa on biosecurity.

METHODS:
Cross-sectional research employed questionnaires that were structured, and 162 farmers were included in the study in addition to a focus group discussion and key-informant interviews. Frequencies/percentages were computed, and associations test were made using chi-square (alpha=0.05).

RESULTS:
Complete biosecurity responses were available for 83 farmers (60.2% male, 50/83). Awareness of animal-to-human transmission was 43.4% (36/83) and awareness of zoonotic impacts on health/economic outcomes was 33.7% (28/83). Farmers aware of transmission were more likely to report awareness of impacts (58.3% [21/36] vs 14.9% [7/47]; chi-square=17.52, p<0.001). Biosecurity was considered important by 96.4% (80/83). Among those reporting practices (n=82), 96.3% (79/82) reported implementing ≥1 measure. Veterinary consultation was rare/never for 70.7% (58/82). Sick animals were mainly self-treated (68.7%, 57/83) rather than isolated (15.7%, 13/83) or managed with veterinary support (15.7%, 13/83). Financial constraints were the main barrier (68.3%, 56/82), while training/extension support was the top need (83.1%, 69/83). Practising any biosecurity measure did not differ by gender (p=1.00) or age group (p=0.514).

CONCLUSIONS:
Nonetheless, there are gaps in zoonotic awareness and veterinary participation, which are perceived to be of high importance. One Health that combines specific farmer education as a part of extension services and enhancing veterinary outreach is required to enhance the biosecurity adoption and minimize the risks of zoonotic.