Zoonosis are defined as those diseases and infections naturally transmitted between people and vertebrate animals. For the prevention of emerging and spread of the zoonotic diseases, providing information and awareness training have important roles. The aim of this cross sectional study was to assess public awareness and prevention practices on zoonosis in selected districts of Western Hararghe Zone, eastern Ethiopia (Chiro, Gemachis and Hirna). The data was collected by using stratified random sampling method and the respondents was grouped into four groups, namely house hold farmers, teachers, students others. The data was collected by using closed ended questioner from randomly selected 355 respondents and analyzed by using SPSS Version 26. The result of the study revealed that 82.8% of respondents had heard about zoonotic disease and 82.2%, 79.1%, 44.9% and 23.6% of respondents had awareness about bovine tuberculosis, rabies, anthrax and brucellosis respectively. Most of respondents obtained their information through radio (61.9 %), TV (48.9 %) and Veterinary officials (48 %). Majority (78.3 %) of participants had high knowledge on the transmission of zoonotic disease from animals to human and vice versa and 94.9 % of respondents recognized that zoonosis as preventable disease. The practice of respondents indicated that 77.6 % of respondents share the same house with animals and 56.0% of consume raw meat and 67.1 % consume raw milk. Generally, the study suggested that the community of the study area have good awareness, but it need to improve their knowledge and awareness by providing continuous health education and creating awareness through public and social media, on the source of zoonosis, route of transmission and prevention practice.

Keywords: Zoonosis, awareness, perception, knowledge, bovine tuberculosis, rabies, anthrax, brucellosis