Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Wild Animal Trade and Consumption in Preventing Zoonotic Disease Among the Community of Sungai Lembing, Pahang

Abstract

Introduction: Emerging and re-emerging zoonoses are a growing threat to global health, with illegal wild animals trade and meat consumption as the main factors. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the trade and consumption of wild animals in preventing zoonotic diseases among Sungai Lembing community, and its associations with sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling method was conducted among 260 residents of Sungai Lembing from April-May 2022. A set of questionnaires in Malay was distributed and data collected were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: Majority of the participants have encountered endangered species such as tapir, elephant, Sunda pangolin, and tiger. Most of the participants chose to leave deceased endangered species if they found them, but some reported eating the carcasses of wild animals. Age, marital status, employment, race, and duration of stay in Sungai Lembing are significantly associated with the knowledge level; race is significantly associated with the attitude level; and age, race, and exposure to endangered species are significantly associated with the practice level of wild animal trade and consumption in preventing zoonotic disease. Most participants agreed that eating wild animals can treat illnesses/diseases, although they are aware that diseases can be transmitted between animals and humans. Conclusion: Participants are having moderate knowledge (60.0%) and attitudes (52.2%) level towards wild animal trade and consumption in preventing zoonotic disease. Thus, additional education is required to enhance the community’s understanding to prevent zoonotic diseases transmission.