Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on anthrax in selected game management areas in Zambia.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated anthrax, a zoonotic disease, at the human-wildlife-livestock interface in Zambia, focusing on Simalaha Conservancy, Blue Lagoon, and Lochinvar National Parks. These areas represent key points where illegal wildlife trade and anthrax risk coexist. Although anthrax remains endemic in Zambia, there is limited data on community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to anthrax transmission and the role of wildlife trade value chains in its spread and maintenance. Therefore, we examined how these community KAPs influence anthrax transmission through the illegal game meat trade. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1,187 participants and analyzed data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Our findings revealed significant variations between knowledge of anthrax and behavior. While more than 80% of respondents demonstrated positive attitudes and safe practices, their knowledge of anthrax remained limited. Specifically, 72.5% of participants had low awareness of the disease, yet 82.1% acknowledged its severity, and 59.4% recognized vaccination as a control measure. Despite these positive attitudes, misconceptions about anthrax transmission and treatment were widespread. Some community members relied on spiritual or herbal remedies rather than seeking medical intervention. We also identified several risky behaviors that contribute to anthrax transmission. Notably, 14.9% of respondents admitted to consuming meat from animals that had died suddenly, while 46.3% reported handling potentially infected carcasses or animal products without taking safety precautions. We found strong correlations between knowledge, attitudes, practices, and education levels. Our results showed that prior exposure to anthrax information was the strongest predictor of knowledge (β > 1). Our findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, improved veterinary services, and stricter enforcement of wildlife trade regulations to reduce the risk of anthrax transmission in these communities.