Economic and health impacts of bovine and zoonotic tuberculosis on rural Zambian communities

PLOS Global Public Health

卷:6

Research Article

Anthony Phiri^1,2  Mildred Zulu³  Maxwell Phiri⁴  Mulenga Malata¹  Sydney Kalenga¹  Francisco Olea-Popelka⁵  Sydney Malama⁶ 

[1] Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia

[2] Department of Public Administration, School of Humanities, University of Zambia, Zambia

[3] Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulic School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada

[4] Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia

[5] Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Zambia, Zambia

[6] Occupational Health Services, Management Division Services, National Institute of Public Administration

关键词: Milk;    Livestock;    Zambia;    Veterinary diseases;    Public and occupational health;    Meat;    Cattle;    Zoonoses;   

DOI  :  10.1371/journal.pgph.0005572

 received in 2025-11-18, accepted in 2026-04-29,  发布年份 2026

来源: PLOS

【 摘 要 】

Bovine tuberculosis is a persistent and significant challenge for cattle farmers in Zambia, especially among rural farmers. As livestock farming constitutes a crucial component of the country’s agricultural economy, the prevalence of bTB threatens not only animal health and productivity but also poses serious risks to human health, food safety, and economic stability within rural communities. A mixed-methods study was conducted in Lundazi and Monze districts of Zambia between December 2021 and June 2022, combining a cross-sectional survey of 280 respondents with qualitative insights from five focus groups and five key informant interviews. Data analysis was done using R software for quantitative data and NVivo for qualitative data. Our study indicates that cows infected with bTB experience an average decline in milk production of approximately 3.75 liters per day, translating to a substantial economic loss of approximately ZMW 10.00 per cow per day, based on an average milk price of ZMW 8.00 per liter. Reported bTB-like symptoms were significantly associated with reduced monthly income from livestock farming. Among education levels, only primary education had a significant association with bTB awareness, with higher odds of impact. Qualitative findings indicate that rural elderly individuals aged 40 and above bear a disproportionate burden of bTB’s impact on public health, likely due to livestock handling and consumption practices increasing zoonotic transmission risks. Our study reveals evidence of the significant impact of bTB on rural cattle farming, with critical implications for policy and practice. It highlights the need for appropriate interventions to address the disproportionate burden of bTB among vulnerable populations, such as older people and those with primary education. Prioritizing bTB control and prevention can minimize the economic and health impacts of the disease and promote more sustainable and resilient livestock farming systems.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
Phiri et al 2026

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