Participation of livestock farmers and community animal health workers in one health intervention to control zoonotic diseases in Rwanda: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: In zoonotic disease hotspots, engaging local communities in zoonotic disease monitoring and reporting is essential for effective prevention and early outbreak detection. In Rwanda, the Eastern Province has experienced nearly 90% of all zoonotic disease outbreaks. This qualitative study explored the participation of livestock farmers and community animal health workers (CAHWs) in One Health interventions aimed at controlling zoonotic disease outbreaks in Nyagatare district, Eastern Province, Rwanda. Method: Among livestock farmers and CAHWs, we collected qualitative data through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. We held key informant interviews with district-level officials, namely district veterinary, district health, and district environmental health officers, to validate the data from livestock farmers and CAHWs. The data were transcribed verbatim and verified by replaying the audio recordings. Content analysis was performed. Results: Five major themes emerged as areas of participation: (i) capacity building focused on livestock management and livestock disease identification and prevention; (ii) community-level health education encompassing zoonotic disease risk communication and awareness raising; (iii) interruption of zoonotic disease transmission that comprised infection prevention and control, separation of sick and healthy livestock, quarantine, and zero grazing, adherence to guidelines, and the testing, treatment, spraying, and vaccination of livestock; (iv) collaboration with multiple sectors via training on zoonotic diseases, including its treatment, investigation, and prevention; and 5) zoonotic disease surveillance that included livestock monitoring and inspection for zoonotic diseases and the notification and reporting of zoonotic diseases to relevant authorities. The collaboration between the environmental health sector and the animal and human sectors was weak, while vaccination targeted mainly cattle but not small ruminants. Conclusions: Livestock farmers and CAHWs participate in several One Health interventions aimed at controlling zoonotic diseases, particularly in vaccination campaigns for cattle, community sensitization, and basic animal husbandry practices. However, collaboration between the environmental health sector and the animal and human sectors was weak, vaccination efforts largely excluded small ruminants, and some farmers relied on local herbs for treatment due to limited access to professional veterinary services. Efforts to sustain the major areas of participation are needed, while weaker areas need strengthening.