Bovine TB Severely Reduces Milk and Income in Rural Zambia

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a persistent threat for cattle farmers in Zambia, especially in rural communities where livestock income and food safety matter most. The disease affects animal health and productivity and carries risks for human health and local economies. To better understand these effects, a mixed-methods study led by corresponding author Anthony Phiri examined how bTB impacts households in two Zambian districts. The research took place in Lundazi and Monze between December 2021 and June 2022. Researchers combined a cross-sectional survey of 280 respondents with qualitative work that included five focus groups and five key informant interviews. That design allowed the team to measure changes in milk production and household income while also hearing directly from farmers and community leaders about how bTB affects daily life. By pairing numbers with personal stories, the study aimed to give a fuller picture of the ways disease harms both livelihoods and public health in rural areas, and to identify which groups of people are most affected so that responses can be better targeted.

The study used quantitative and qualitative analysis tools to make sure findings were grounded in data and local experience. Quantitative data were analyzed with R software, while qualitative interviews and focus group discussions were examined using NVivo. Survey results showed that cows infected with bTB produced on average 3.75 liters less milk per day than healthy animals. Using an average milk price of ZMW 8.00 per liter, that drop translated to an economic loss of about ZMW 10.00 per cow, and the authors note the exchange rate context of ZMW 18.17 per USD. The analysis also found a significant reduction in monthly income from livestock farming associated with bTB infection. Education level mattered: only those with primary education showed a statistically significant impact from bTB; other education levels were not significantly impacted, though the odds of being impacted were lower for those groups. Occupation type did not show significant differences. Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative results and highlighted that older people, particularly those aged 40–50 and above, face a disproportionate burden and higher likelihood of adverse effects from bTB.

These results point to clear implications for policy and practice in Zambia and similar settings. The documented loss of milk and reduced household income show that bTB is not only an animal health problem but also an economic and public health concern that can deepen vulnerability in rural communities. The finding that older adults and people with only primary education are most affected suggests that control efforts will be more effective if they include targeted support, outreach, and education for these groups. The study authors argue that prioritizing bTB control and prevention could protect food supplies, stabilize household earnings, and reduce health risks linked to the disease. In policy terms, this means investing in diagnostics, farmer education, and community-level interventions that consider the unequal burden among age and education groups. By addressing bTB directly, policymakers can help build more resilient livestock systems and safer, more stable rural economies.