Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward zoonotic disease transmission among wildlife farmers in Vietnam

Background: Wildlife farming and trade in Southeast Asia contribute to the growing threat of zoonotic diseases. Despite the diversity of species farmed and the varying levels of risk they may pose, biosecurity practices among wildlife farmers remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of wildlife farmers in Vietnam to inform targeted interventions for zoonotic risk reduction.

Method: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 210 wildlife farmers who raised bats, bamboo rats, civets, and wild boars in Lao Cai and Dong Nai provinces, Vietnam, between October 2023 and March 2024. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires, and qualitative insights were obtained through 30 key informant interviews and two focus group discussions. Linear mixed-effects regression and thematic analysis were applied to explore KAP scores and associated factors.

Results: Wildlife farmers demonstrated relatively high knowledge (mean score: 10.1/13, 77.7%), positive attitudes (mean score: 41.3/50, 82.6%), and moderate preventive practices (mean score: 14.1/30, 47.0%). Farmers with college or above education had higher knowledge scores (Estimated marginal mean (EMM) = 11.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.2–12.8) compared to those with no formal education (EMM = 7.8; 95% CI: 4.0–11.1). Farmers solely engaged in wildlife farming had lower attitude scores (EMM = 41.7; 95% CI: 37.8–45.0) than farmers who also worked as government employees (EMM = 46.1; 95% CI: 43.3–48.2). Farming bats (EMM = 8.5; 95% CI: 5.8–11.4) had lower practice scores compared to farming civets (EMM = 15.8; 95% CI: 13.0–18.6), and farmers consumed wild meat had lower practice score (EMM = 12.3; 95% CI: 9.5–15.2) than those did not (EMM = 14.5; 95% CI: 11.9–17.0). Qualitative findings revealed that many farmers normalised risky practices, prioritised convenience and personal experience over disease knowledge, and avoided reporting illnesses due to mistrust in veterinary authorities and fear of negative consequences.

Conclusion: This study highlights low risk perception and gaps between knowledge and practices among wildlife farmers, underscoring the urgent need for One Health interventions that promote low-cost preventive measures, build trust with authorities, and deliver targeted health education for reducing zoonotic risks.