Study on socio-demographic profile and constraints faced by livestock farmers in relation to control of zoonotic diseases in the state of Tripura, India

Abstract

Tripura, a tiny, hilly state in northeast India with a large livestock population, is susceptible to zoonotic diseases that pose significant risks to public health, livestock production, and the livelihoods of farmers. About 60% of human infectious diseases are zoonoses, which have a disproportionate impact on rural farming communities with limited resources. The goal of the current study was to analyse the socioeconomic situation of livestock farmers in Tripura, as well as their understanding of One Health, their outlook, their perception of zoonotic diseases, and the challenges they encounter. Between March and October 2025, the study used a semi-structured questionnaire to interview a total of 100 livestock farmers from one district chosen from each of the state's four agro-climatic regions. IBM-SPSS 21.0 was used to conduct frequency and percentage analysis for descriptive study. The majority of respondents were found to be middle-aged, moderately educated male farmers with varied livelihoods. The main barriers were ignorance and misconceptions about zoonotic illnesses, the high expense of veterinary care, inadequate waste disposal, and a lack of quarantine facilities. The adoption of preventive techniques was greatly hampered by infrastructural and economic obstacles. The results highlight the critical need for a thorough One Health-based strategy to successfully manage zoonotic illnesses in Tripura, as well as for increased veterinary extension services and focused awareness campaigns.