The data is collected at the 2 largest small livestock markets in Zambia, i.e. Lusaka and Kasumbalesa small livestock markets, in April, May, September 2018, and November 2019. The main method of data collection is semistructured interviews but observations were also conducted. Data collection was focused on traders but market customers, slaughterhouse workers, transporters, veterinary shop workers and employees at the small livestock trade organisation SALZ, were also interviewed. The main purpose was to investigate the perceptions and practices of Zambian traders of small ruminants concerning sheep and goat health and disease.