Olana MereraGuyo Gelma2026-07-032026-07-032026https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8602This study in investigated the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in raw camel milk and assessed community knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to zoonotic disease transmission at the livestock-human-wildlife interface in Borena Zone, southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from November 2025 to May 2026 in Yabello, Elwaye, and Gomole districts to investigate the zoonotic diseases occurrence and transmission at the livestock- uman-wildlife interface. Additionally, isolation and characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in raw camel milk and milking equipment was done. A total of 411 camel milk related samples were collected from lactating camels and milk handling equipment, while 207 pastoralists participated in a questionnaire survey. Microbiological isolation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes standard bacteriological procedures were employed, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. The overall prevalence of Listeria in camel milk and related samples was 3.89% (95% CI: 2.0–5.7%), with slightly higher contamination at the animal level (4.47%) than in milk handling equipment (3.77%). None of the investigated animal-level factors, including age, herd size, and body condition, showed a statistically significant association with Listeria occurrence (p > 0.05). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high sensitivity of isolates to Gentamicin (100%) and high susceptibility to Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Azithromycin, and Meropenem (80%). However, Penicillin and Cefoxitin shows higher resistance against tested isolates 80% and 100%, respectively, with evidence of multidrug resistance among some isolates. The questionnaire survey discovered widespread livestock–wildlife interactions, frequent cross-border livestock movement, and high-risk practices including consumption of raw animal products and lack of quarantine measures. Although community awareness of disease risks was relatively high, risky management and unsafe food consumption behaviors remained common. The findings highlight the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in camel milk and emphasize the importance of improved milk hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and integrated One Health approaches to mitigate zoonotic disease risks in pastoral production systems.en-USBorenaCamelListeria monocytogenesMilkOne HealthWildlifeThesis