Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade and wildlife consumption in Latin America

Solis Soto, María Teresa ; Kuhn, Caroline; Carvalho, Denise; Burrone, María Soledad; Masilla, Pilar; Vásquez Almazán, Carlos; Pinto, Carlos; Adler, Marcia; Méndez, Dennis; Pérez, Fabiana; Encina, Verónica; Garrido, Marie Astrid und Radon, Katja (2024): Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade and wildlife consumption in Latin America. ISEE 2024: 36th Annual Conference of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology, Santiago, Chile, 25. - 28. August 2024. In: ISEE Conference Abstracts,

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM[|]Latin America, like other regions, faces challenges that increase human-wildlife conflicts and zoonotic disease risk. The study aims to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade, and consumption in urban and rural areas of Latin America.

[¤]METHOD[|]Mixed methods along five work packages (WP) are implemented in lowland areas of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Guatemala: WP1) Quantitative baseline information about KAP concerning the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade, and consumption in a representative sample of the populationn; WP2) Qualitative analysis considering in-deep interviews with key stakeholders and focus group discussions; WP3) With results in previous WP´s, round-tables were implemented with a multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral team to analyze the current situation and propose strategies to address the prioritized problems in the short-medium term; WP4) Design and implementation of tailor-made educational interventions; WP5) Dissemination activities at different levels are been implemented. The study is still under development, and preliminary results obtained so far are presented.

[¤]RESULTS[|]A total of 3121 participants completed the KAP survey (WP1), and approximately 60 in-depth interviews and 24 focus groups (WP2) were implemented in all four countries. Low knowledge and poorly training on zoonotic diseases was reported. Likewise, risky practices in handling or interacting with animals were identified. There was also little articulation between the health sector, local authorities, biodiversity conservation, and other sectors. The round-tables developed so far (in Bolivia and Chile) prioritized implementing educational strategies, considering the cosmovision of communities, with an integrative vision (One Health) aimed at the general population to strengthen wildlife knowledge and zoonosis risks and prevention measures.

[¤]CONCLUSIONS[|]Through the WPs applied so far, priority problems were identified in the communities. Addressing them requires participatory strategies according to the needs of the communities, respecting their rights, and understanding their history, context and dynamics.

• Dokumententyp: Konferenzbeitrag (Abstract)
• Fakultät: Medizin > Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 1078-0475
• Sprache: Englisch