Exploring community knowledge, perceptions, and the impacts of anthrax among farming communities living in game management areas in Zambia: A qualitative study using a hybrid approach

Chisoni Mumba ¹, Davies Phiri ², Exillia Kabbudula ¹

⁰Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases +

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May 8, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Anthrax outbreaks in Zambia are driven by human-wildlife-livestock interactions and wildlife trade. Community perceptions and socio-ecological factors significantly influence disease spread and impact.

Area Of Science

Zoonotic disease epidemiology
Public health
Veterinary science
Socio-ecological systems

Background

Anthrax is a significant neglected zoonotic disease in Zambia, especially at human-wildlife-livestock interfaces.
Regions like Western, Southern, and Eastern provinces are highly affected.
Understanding socio-ecological drivers is crucial for control.

Purpose Of The Study

To explore socio-ecological drivers of anthrax transmission in Zambia.
To examine the role of legal and illegal wildlife trade in anthrax outbreaks.
To investigate community knowledge, perceptions, and impacts of anthrax.

Main Methods

Interpretivist research paradigm.
Focus group discussions (FGDs) for community insights.
Hybrid data analysis: thematic analysis combined with AI tools.

Main Results

Varied community awareness and misconceptions about anthrax exist.
Cultural beliefs influence health behaviors related to anthrax.
Anthrax outbreaks are linked to wildlife interaction and illegal game meat trade.
Significant socioeconomic impacts include livestock loss and food insecurity.
Inadequate public health and veterinary responses exacerbate the problem.

Conclusions

Multi-sectoral interventions are needed to address anthrax.
Interventions must be tailored to community-specific needs and socio-ecological contexts.
Addressing wildlife trade is critical for anthrax control.