Awareness campaigns and strengthened prevention as alternatives to banning: Preventing zoonotic diseases from wildlife in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a rising frequency of emerging infectious diseases outbreaks such as Ebola and Mpox. Wild meat consumption is considered a risk factor due to increased contact with wild animals. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with wild meat consumption, assess the perceived risk of infectious diseases among consumers, and investigate attitudes towards selective measures to control disease spillover from wildlife.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to August 2022 in four major cities: Kinshasa (Kinshasa), Kindu (Maniema), Lodja (Sankuru), and Boende (Tshuapa). Adults aged 18 years or older participated through a pre-tested questionnaire. Data included demographic characteristics, wild meat consumption behaviors, zoonotic disease risk perception, and potential human-wildlife disease prevention measures. The latter included measures such as law enforcement, education, and awareness campaigns, investing in disease prevention, strengthening response, and banning wild meat. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze associations between demographics, consumption, and risk perception.

FINDINGS

Of 2,163 respondents, 59% were male, and 38% were aged 26-35. Wild meat consumption was reported by 86%. The main reason for consumption across cities was the meat taste (76%). Overall, only 36% of wild meat consumers perceived themselves to be at risk of a zoonotic disease. The highest risk perception was reported to be as high as 92% in Boende. Residents of Lodja had higher odds of wild meat consumption (OR: 11.4, CI: 6.35-21.40) compared to Kinshasa followed by those living in Kindu (1.61, 1.09-2.37), this association was also statistically significant in Boende. Risk perception was higher in Boende (OR: 5.26, CI: 1.72-15.0) and lower in Lodja (OR: 0.25, CI: 0.09-0.60) compared to Kinshasa. Knowing a family member or a relative infected with zoonotic disease increased risk perception (OR: 5.55, CI: 2.29-13.40). More than 70% of respondents supported measures such as awareness campaigns, increased disease prevention budgets, and law enforcement. Banning wild meat consumption was least supported across cities.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight that wild meat consumption is quite homogenous with regards to sociodemographic characteristics, only the city of residence emerged as a significant factor. However, the risk perception is very low. Increased awareness campaigns and biosafety measures along the value chain would contribute to the prevention of zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife.