An implementation research project conducted in northern Tanzania supported by TDR explored the prevalence, transmission risks and control opportunities for lesser-known zoonotic diseases shared between humans and animals in United Republic of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region. The researchers call on public health and animal health policy-makers to use this evidence and adopt One Health frameworks to improve early detection and control of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
Zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans through mosquitoes, ticks and other vectors, pose growing risks to global health and economic stability. More than 60% of emerging human infectious diseases have animal origins, yet data on many zoonotic diseases in Africa remain scarce. This knowledge gap hampers surveillance and response efforts.
This implementation research study, led by Debora Charles Kajeguka of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, was supported by TDR’s Impact Grants for Regional Priorities (a collaborative initiative with WHO regional offices) and was recently published in the Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology. The project aimed to:
-describe the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases among people, domestic animals and rodent hosts in North Tanzania;
-determine mosquito feeding behavior in domestic animals and humans;
-identify factors influencing mosquito behavior and abundance; and
-Identify hotspots of emerging zoonotic infections among domestic animals.
Key research results
Baseline data creation:
A new baseline database of circulating zoonotic viruses in northern Tanzania has been created. Community surveys provided insights into families’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonotic disease exposure. A combined biological and behavioral dataset now offer a foundation for improving the understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases.
Improved community awareness:
Across the study sites, awareness of zoonotic transmission improved significantly. Communities recognized the risks of contact with sick or dead animals, exposure to secretions, and insect bites. Unsafe practices such as consuming raw milk or undercooked meat and handling aborted animal materials without protection were identified as key risk factors. Promoting handwashing, barn sanitation, and protective measures helped build safer behaviors among livestock keepers.
Shift in attitudes:
The research changed perceptions about livestock diseases that cause abortion—often dismissed as routine animal health issues. By linking livestock reproductive health to human disease risk and economic losses, the study underscored the need for joint animal–human health responses.
Enhanced surveillance capacity:
Serological testing confirmed antibodies for flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and bunyaviruses in both humans and animals, revealing active transmission and highlighting the need for stronger monitoring. The team developed a practical questionnaire for integrated data collection, a tool now available for future public health and veterinary use in tracking emerging zoonoses.
Policy Recommendations
Based on their findings, the researchers urge policy-makers to:
- Strengthen surveillance and reporting: Establish early warning systems that link human and animal health reporting. Rapidly mobilize veterinary investigations for abortion clusters or suspected zoonotic events.
- Institutionalize One Health frameworks: Embed cross-sector collaboration through joint training, shared surveillance systems and coordinated outbreak responses.
- Promote risk communication and education: Implement community awareness campaigns highlighting safe animal handling and the dangers of unprotected contact with biological materials.
- Integrate livelihoods with health planning: Recognize the direct connection between livestock productivity and public health. Support safer livestock practices and enhance economic resilience among smallholder farmers.
A Model for the Future
By combining epidemiological research, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, this project demonstrates how a One Health approach can strengthen early detection and control of zoonotic threats. The findings provide actionable evidence for policymakers, veterinary and public health officials, and researchers. They also lay the groundwork for regionally tailored interventions that can protect both human and animal populations from emerging arboviral diseases.
For more information on the Impact Grants programme, please contact Dr Garry Aslanyan.