Knowledge, attitudes and practices of zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis in the context of climate change in Tanzania

Zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis, which are transmitted by climate-sensitive freshwater snails, are neglected tropical diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Although zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis have been reported in both humans and domestic ruminants in Tanzania, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of local communities concerning the occurrence, transmission, and risk factors for zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in Tanzania. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a KAP survey in Lake Victoria and the southern highlands of Tanzania to investigate community KAP regarding the transmission, risk, and prevention of zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. Given that climate change potentially causes increased levels of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, particularly in highland areas, we also investigated the general knowledge of communities about climate change and how climate change may impact schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. Most of the study participants (91.3%) had already heard of zoonotic schistosomiasis, 45.9% had ever heard about zoonotic fascioliasis, and 57.6% were aware of climate change. Nevertheless, only 37.2% knew snails as intermediate hosts of zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. The consumption of raw vegetables (57.3%), raw liver (28.3%), and contaminated water (12.1%) was mentioned as how fascioliasis can be transmitted. Among the study participants, 55.7% emphasized that schistosomiasis is transmitted through contact with contaminated water. A lack of coordination between sectors and stakeholders was mentioned by 57.3% of the participants as a common constraint affecting the implementation of zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis control programs. Approximately 31.8% of the participants understood the link between climate change and zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. This study reveals knowledge gaps in risk perception and a lack of coordination between sectors and stakeholders, which calls for the adoption of multidisciplinary and multisectoral approaches to control and prevent zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, and the need for appropriate climate change awareness and mitigation initiatives.