Zoonotic disease risk perceptions associated with commercial wildlife activities in Southeast Asia: A scoping review

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract Background : Zoonotic disease emergence is closely linked to human-wildlife interactions, particularly in commercial wildlife activities where livelihoods, conservation, and health intersect. In Southeast Asia, wildlife hunting, trade, and farming remain integral to many communities, yet limited evidence has been synthesized on how communities engaged in these activities perceive associated zoonotic disease risks. This scoping review examines community perceptions of zoonotic disease risks associated with commercial wildlife activities and explores their implications for One Health research and practice. Methods : Peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 and 2024 were identified through PubMed and Google Scholar. Eligible studies examining community perceptions of health or zoonotic disease risks associated with wildlife hunting, trade, farming, or consumption in Southeast Asia were included in the review. Data were extracted and analyzed thematically to identify patterns, knowledge gaps, and implications for research and practice. Results : Eight studies from Thailand, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Myanmar met the inclusion criteria. Studies used qualitative or mixed-methods approaches involving hunters, traders, farmers, consumers, and communities with wildlife contact. Study findings showed partial awareness of zoonotic risks among study populations, often limited to diseases such as avian influenza and rabies. Gaps in translating awareness into preventive practices were highlighted, driven by livelihood dependence, poverty, limited access to services and facilities, and broader structural constraints. Cultural beliefs, gender, and education also shaped risk perceptions and responses, and illegal or informal trade contexts complicated engagement and data collection. Conclusions : Community perceptions of zoonotic disease risk in Southeast Asia are shaped by intersecting social, economic, cultural, and livelihood factors. Effective strategies to reduce zoonotic disease risk associated with commercial wildlife activities require cross-sectoral, context-sensitive approaches that integrate community perspectives into communication and services across the conservation, public health, agriculture, and veterinary sectors. Risk reduction strategies should also move beyond awareness raising to address structural barriers that limit communities’ access to relevant information and services, thereby supporting more equitable and sustainable zoonotic disease prevention in Southeast Asia. One Health impact statement This scoping review highlights the importance of understanding how communities engaged in commercial wildlife activities perceive zoonotic disease risks at the human-animal-environment interfaces in Southeast Asia. By synthesizing limited evidence across health, social, and ecological dimensions, the review demonstrates that awareness of zoonotic disease risks alone is often insufficient to support preventive practices when livelihood dependence, limited access to services, sociocultural beliefs, and broader structural barriers shape decision-making and behaviors. The findings underscore the importance of integrating community perspectives into One Health research and implementation through context-sensitive, cross-sectoral approaches involving conservation, public health, agriculture, and veterinary sectors. While community perceptions alone do not constitute transdisciplinary One Health practice, understanding local experiences, priorities, and constraints provides a critical foundation for coproducing more equitable, culturally grounded, and sustainable zoonotic disease prevention strategies.