Communities strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance in Zambia
The Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme in Zambia is training local communities to monitor and report animal disease symptoms. This initiative aims to improve early detection and response to zoonotic diseases that threaten both livestock and public health.
Why it matters
Community-based surveillance systems are critical for preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases in rural areas where professional veterinary resources are limited.
The health of people, livestock and wildlife is closely connected. In southern Zambia, where many rural households depend on livestock for food and income, an animal disease outbreak can quickly threaten livelihoods and public health.
The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme is working with communities, government institutions and traditional leaders to identify these risks earlier and respond before outbreaks spread.
Funded by the European Union through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the programme is strengthening disease surveillance, improving livestock health management and raising awareness of zoonotic diseases, which can pass between animals and people.
Working with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) under Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the programme is also helping communities take a more active role in disease prevention and early detection.
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