Low Awareness of Bovine TB Among Zambian Cattle Farmers

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease of cattle that can pass to people through direct contact with infected animals or by eating contaminated food. A team led by Anthony Phiri explored how much people know about these risks in two districts of Zambia, Lundazi and Monze, between December 2021 and June 2022. The researchers wanted to understand whether social and cultural practices are linked to transmission and to identify knowledge gaps that might be addressed to reduce risk. They focused especially on behaviors such as drinking unpasteurised milk, eating undercooked meat, and the ways people handle and slaughter cattle. The study used a mixed methods design to combine numbers with personal accounts, aiming to paint a fuller picture of what people do, what they believe, and how that affects the spread of bTB. By studying both the practices and the level of awareness across different groups connected to cattle, the team sought to highlight where public health information is most needed and which groups might serve as trustworthy sources of advice for farmers and consumers.

The study used a mixed methods approach. Quantitatively, a cross-sectional survey reached 280 respondents; qualitatively, the team ran five focus group discussions and five key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were produced using R software and qualitative material was analyzed with Nvivo® using content analysis. Results showed social and cultural practices that likely contribute to bTB transmission: common risky behaviors included consuming undercooked meat and unpasteurised milk, and not using adequate protective measures during cattle slaughtering. Awareness scores varied by group: overall, 75.3% of male and 70.3% of female respondents showed a poor level of awareness of bTB transmission. Among cattle farmers, 85.7% lacked formal education, and 99.5% of cattle farmers were classified as having poor awareness. By contrast, human doctors/clinicians and veterinary/para-veterinarians demonstrated 100% excellent knowledge. Abattoir workers showed good knowledge at 78.3%, while cattle businessmen were reported to have a fair knowledge level at 96.4%.

These findings point to clear gaps that matter for public health. Low awareness and misperceptions among cattle farmers — especially those without formal education — help explain why risky behaviors like drinking raw milk and eating undercooked meat persist. The contrast between highly knowledgeable health professionals and poorly informed farmers suggests that education and training work, and that targeted communication could change behavior. The study recommends public health campaigns that explain bTB causes, sources of infection, and control measures in ways that reach farming communities and respect local social and cultural practices. Campaigns could focus on safer milk handling and meat preparation, and on protective measures during slaughter. Engaging veterinarians, clinicians, and abattoir workers as trusted sources could help translate technical knowledge into practical steps farmers can take to protect their herds and families.