Antimicrobial resistance risks associated with wild boar consumption and handling: knowledge, attitudes and practices in selected Italian regions.

Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) organisms can be transmitted to humans by wildlife including wild boars through environmental contamination or through the food chain. Understanding the risks associated with handling and consuming wild boar meat is crucial for ensuring consumer safety. This study assessed knowledge on wild boar associated AMR risks, attitudes towards AMR risk mitigation efforts and supporting practices (KAP) among participants from eight regions of Italy. Data was collected using a standardized online questionnaire. Responses were weighted using the Likert scale and categorized according to Bloom’s cut off points. Associations between KAP scores and determinants were assessed using linear regression analyses and Kendall’s tau rank correlation. A total of 97 responses were received from 53 adult female and 44 adult males, among whom were 66 (68%) consumers and 31 (32%) non consumers of wild boar meat. The mean knowledge score was 27.8%, mean attitude score was 42.7% and mean practices score was 77.4%. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (τ = 0.52, P < 0.05), but not with practices (τ < 0.3, P > 0.05). Regression analyses revealed that the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices varied significantly (P < 0.001) between genders, age groups and sector of occupation but not education levels (P > 0.05). The findings reveal a need for reinforcement and enrichment of the existing AMR awareness creation tools to include information on AMR and food safety risks from wildlife.