The Amazonian Tropical Bites Research Initiative, a hope for resolving zoonotic neglected tropical diseases in the One Health era.

BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect populations living in resource-limited settings. In the Amazon basin, substantial numbers of NTDs are zoonotic, transmitted by vertebrate (dogs, bats, snakes) and invertebrate species (sand flies and triatomine insects). However, no dedicated consortia exist to find commonalities in the risk factors for or mitigations against bite-associated NTDs such as rabies, snake envenoming, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis in the region. The rapid expansion of COVID-19 has further reduced resources for NTDs, exacerbated health inequality and reiterated the need to raise awareness of NTDs related to bites. METHODS: The nine countries that make up the Amazon basin have been considered (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela) in the formation of a new network. RESULTS: The Amazonian Tropical Bites Research Initiative (ATBRI) has been created, with the aim of creating transdisciplinary solutions to the problem of animal bites leading to disease in Amazonian communities. The ATBRI seeks to unify the currently disjointed approach to the control of bite-related neglected zoonoses across Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: The coordination of different sectors and inclusion of all stakeholders will advance this field and generate evidence for policy-making, promoting governance and linkage across a One Health arena.

Tenencia de animales de compañía y aspectos culturales asociados a la exposición a zoonosis en La Coipa, Cajamarca, Perú / Pet Ownership and Cultural Aspects associated with Exposure to Zoonoses in La Coipa, Cajamarca, Peru

Resumen La tenencia irresponsable de perros y gatos y el desconocimiento de las enfermedades que transmiten puede poner en riesgo la salud de las personas, y dificulta implementar programas de control. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la tenencia de animales de compañía y los conocimientos y prácticas relacionadas con la exposición a zoonosis entre pobladores del distrito La Coipa, Cajamarca, Perú, en el año de 2019. El estudio, emprendido con base en encuestas, recolectó información sobre las características de la tenencia de perros y gatos, así como los conocimientos y las prácticas con relación a la exposición a zoonosis por animales de compañía, los accidentes por mordeduras y la presencia de perros vagabundos. Se entrevistó a 280 personas: 46,4 % de zona urbana y 53,6 % de zona rural. Respectivamente, el 70,7 % y 50,7% poseían perros y gatos. La relación persona: perro fue de 3 y persona: gato de 5. La utilidad principal del perro fue de guardián y del gato fue controlador biológico de roedores. El 83,3 % de los poseedores de perros, los vacunaban contra la rabia. El 64,4 % controlaba la reproducción de perros y gatos mediante el encierro. El 60,9 % manifestó haber sufrido una mordedura de perro. El 98,2 % señaló que los perros vagabundos eran un problema y el 70 % consideraba que estos tenían dueño. Se concluye que la población estudiada requiere capacitación en tenencia de animales de compañía para mejorar el bienestar animal, así como para disminuir la exposición de las personas a zoonosis, accidentes por mordedura y contaminación ambiental.

Abstract Irresponsible dog and cat ownership and lack of knowledge about the diseases they transmit can put people's health at risk and make it difficult to implement control programs. The aim of the present study was to describe companion animal ownership and knowledge and practices related to zoonosis exposure among villagers in La Coipa district, Cajamarca, Peru, in 2019. The study, undertaken on a survey basis, collected information on the characteristics of dog and cat ownership, as well as knowledge and practices regarding exposure to zoonoses from companion animals, biting accidents, and the presence of stray dogs. A total of 280 people were interviewed: 46.4% from urban areas and 53.6% from rural areas. Respectively, 70.7% and 50.7% owned dogs and cats. The person: dog ratio was 3 and person: cat ratio was 5. The main use of the dog was as a guardian and of the cat was as a biological rodent controller. The 83.3 % of dog owners vaccinated their dogs against rabies. 64.4% controlled the reproduction of dogs and cats by confinement. 60.9% stated that they had suffered a dog bite. The 98.2% indicated that stray dogs were a problem and 70% considered that these dogs had owners. It is concluded that the population studied requires training in pet ownership to improve animal welfare, as well as to reduce the exposure of people to zoonosis, bite accidents and environmental contamination.