Improving Public Health Intervention Design for Food‐Borne Zoonotic Disease Control: Insights From a Situational Analysis of Meat Consumers’ Knowledge and Practices in Burkina Faso

Background In low‐ and middle‐income countries, meat consumption is often associated with health risks due to limited awareness of zoonotic disease transmission. Burkina Faso is not exempt from these public health threats. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to meat‐borne zoonotic risks among meat consumers in Burkina Faso. Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive and analytical survey was conducted from August to November 2022, including 849 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through face‐to‐face interviews. Scores were attributed to assess levels of knowledge and practices regarding zoonotic risks associated with meat handling and consumption. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. Results According to findings, although 90.22% acknowledged that meat could transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, only 31.22% could name at least one zoonotic disease. Poor hygiene in meat sale outlets was reported by 50.77% of respondents. Good practices, such as proper meat storage, were inconsistently reported, as 66.90% reportedly stored meat exposed to open air, and 46.29% used the same utensils for meat preparation and meal service in households. Overall, level of education, professional occupation, religion and position held in the household were significantly associated with both knowledge and practices ( p < 0.05), and participants having better knowledge were more likely to adopt safer practices ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Despite a general awareness of meat‐related health risks, including zoonotic diseases, knowledge gaps and unsafe practices remain prevalent among consumers. Reducing meat‐borne zoonotic diseases requires shifting from general awareness to actionable, behaviour‐oriented interventions. By combining community education, improved market hygiene and multi‐sectoral collaboration, public health authorities can substantially reduce preventable exposure to zoonotic pathogens while preserving the nutritional benefits of meat consumption.