In West Africa, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) cause substantial animal health losses while simultaneously exposing farming communities to zoonotic risks. Despite this dual burden, the perception of ticks as specific disease vectors among livestock farmers remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to tick-borne zoonoses among peri-urban cattle farmers in Burkina Faso and Benin within a One Health framework. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 39 peri-urban cattle farmers owning at least 50 head of cattle in Burkina Faso (n = 24) and Benin (n = 15). A structured 108-items questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, herd composition, and KAP dimensions. Four composite scores were constructed: knowledge (0- 3), biosecurity (0-6), risk awareness (0-4), and risk practices (0-3). Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, effect size measures (Cohen’s d), and bootstrap-validated multiple linear regression models. Knowledge levels (1.28/3, 43%) and risk awareness (1.10/4, 28%) were globally low, while high-risk practices were near-universal (2.59/3, 86%). Strikingly, no farmer correctly named a single animal or human tick-borne disease. Widespread confusion between ticks and other arthropod vectors was observed, indicating that ticks are not perceived as specific epidemiological threats. A “knowledge-behavior paradox” was identified: Burkinabe farmers displayed significantly higher knowledge scores (p = 0.010, d = 0.90) yet engaged in more frequent risk practices (p = 0.010, d = 0.97) than Beninese farmers. Herd size was the strongest predictor of risk practices (Spearman ? = 0.50, p = 0.008), with 100% of large herd owners (>70 Tropical Livestock Unit) reaching the maximum risk score. Furthermore, Fulani farmers showed significantly lower risk awareness than other ethnic groups (p = 0.021, d = -1.06). While the theoretical KAP chain was partially validated regarding the link between knowledge and awareness (Spearman ? = 0.50, p = 0.008), it broke down at the behavioral level, where awareness did not correlate with safer practices (Spearman ? = 0.00, p = 1). The failure to identify ticks as specific disease vectors, combined with prevalent high-risk practices, represents a critical gap for both animal and human health. These findings have global implications, as expanding tick distribution ranges and growing human-livestock interfaces amplify zoonotic risks. Effective interventions must integrate tick-specific health education, culturally sensitive approaches targeting Fulani communities, and the utilization of veterinary networks as entry points for coordinated One Health messaging.