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One Health Approach to Zoonotic Risks and Healthcare Barriers in Transhumant Pastoralists
Moomin John1, Sabreenah Parveen1, Hidayatullah Tak1
1Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India.
Ecohealth
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Transhumant pastoralists in Kashmir face significant health risks due to limited healthcare access and low awareness of zoonotic diseases. Improving knowledge and implementing integrated One Health strategies are crucial for their well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- One Health
Background:
- Transhumant pastoralists in the Kashmir Himalayas are a vulnerable, understudied population facing health challenges due to mobility and isolation.
- Their healthcare practices, knowledge, and attitudes (KAP) regarding zoonotic diseases remain largely unexamined, despite high disease outbreak frequencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the healthcare practices, knowledge, and attitudes (KAP) of transhumant pastoralist communities in the Kashmir Himalayas.
- To assess their exposure risks and awareness concerning zoonotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 384 respondents from transhumant pastoralist communities.
- Data collection focused on healthcare access, knowledge of zoonotic diseases, attitudes towards health, and current practices.
Main Results:
- Only 15% of respondents were aware of zoonotic diseases, yet 80% reported frequent outbreaks.
- Healthcare access was limited for 71% due to isolation, transportation, and financial barriers.
- A positive correlation (r=0.641, p<0.05) was observed between KAP, highlighting awareness impact on health behaviors. Traditional healing was prevalent (75%).
Conclusions:
- Integrated, culturally sensitive healthcare approaches, grounded in the One Health concept, are essential.
- Recommendations include mobile health/veterinary units, community education, and participatory surveillance to mitigate zoonotic risks and improve community health.
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