OBJETIVO: To assess factors associated with a low risk perception of and to identify the gaps in knowledge about transmission and prevention of in and Italian workers. METODOS: A cross-sectional study with 175 workers in the agro-livestock and agro-food in Piemonte, Italy, was carried out. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire based on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey. We calculated proportions and used chi-square tests and odds ratios to assess associations. Eight individual interviews with key informants on immigration and public health in Piemonte were carried out. RESULTADOS: Participants were 82 (47%) Italians and 93 (53%) immigrants. Immigrants were from Romania, Morocco, Albania, India, China, Argentina, Peru, Macedonia, Ivory Coast, Ukraine and Colombia. The study revealed significant differences in risk perception at work (p = 0.001). We found associations between not having correct knowledge about zoonoses and the following variables: i. immigrant OR = 4.1 (95%CI 1.7;9.8 p ≤ 0.01); ii. working in the livestock industry OR = 2.9 (95%CI 1.2;15.4 p = 0.01); and iii. an unqualified worker OR = 4.4 (95%CI 2.9;15.4 p ≤ 0.01). Another strong association was found between being and having a low job qualification OR = 6.7 (IC95% 2.9 - 15.4 p ≤ 0.01). Asian immigrants were the group with the highest frequency of risky behaviours and the lowest level of knowledge about zoonoses. CONCLUSOES: Our results indicate that there were differences in risk perception of between the groups participating in our study. These results suggest that status can be considered a risk factor for having lower risk perception and lower level of knowledge of at work. There is a relationship between this specific knowledge of and lack of training and instruction among migrant populations. Our results stress the need for developing education programs on prevention among the population in Piemonte, Italy.