Health Authorities Warn the Public About the Risks of Sleeping with Livestock

Health authorities in Rwanda have urged citizens to avoid sleeping in the same houses as their livestock, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and separating human living spaces from animal shelters. Officials warn that close cohabitation with animals can lead to serious zoonotic diseases illnesses transmitted from animals to humans.

The issue was highlighted in a report aired by Top Africa News, where several residents admitted that they sleep with their animals mainly due to fear of theft. They explained that insecurity at night forces them to keep goats or sheep inside their homes to prevent them from being stolen.

Ndayisenga Olivier, a resident of Huye District, said he decided to start sleeping with his goats after losing some to thieves. “Two of my goats were stolen last year. Since then, I no longer trust leaving them in the shed. I bring them inside the house at night so I don’t lose them again,” he said.

Similarly, Dusengimana Thérèse from Tumba Sector explained that her sheep are her family’s main source of income. “The sheep provide meat and income that help me support my family and pay school fees for my children. When they are far from me at night, I feel anxious and cannot sleep,” she said.

Despite these security concerns, health experts warn that such practices pose significant health risks. Dr. MURWANASHYAKA Jean de Dieu, a specialist in disease prevention and control at CHUB (University Teaching Hospital of Butare), stressed that improper cohabitation with animals increases the risk of infectious diseases. “Animals can transmit various diseases to humans, especially when they are not properly cared for. Poor hygiene increases the likelihood of infections originating from animal waste, contaminated air, or unsafe food and water,” he explained.

A 2025 study conducted by Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics found that 77% of human diseases linked to animals result from consuming poorly processed animal products, living in unsanitary conditions with animals, or failing to maintain proper hygiene. These findings highlight hygiene as a critical factor in preventing zoonotic infections.

Health authorities are therefore advising citizens to construct proper animal shelters separate from their homes, maintain cleanliness in animal housing areas, and ensure regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations. They also recommend strengthening community security measures, such as neighborhood patrols, instead of exposing families to health risks.

While protecting livestock is essential for many families’ livelihoods, experts emphasize that safeguarding human health must remain the top priority. Separating living spaces for people and animals is a crucial step toward preventing disease and promoting overall community well-being.