Knowledge, perception and attitude about Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) among veterinary students and professionals of Spain

Abstract

The Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tropical viral zoonosis first reported in Spain with 17 detected cases since 2010–2024. Health professionals, including veterinarians, play a crucial role in controlling and preventing this disease. This study aimed to analyse and compare the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of veterinary students and professionals in Spain regarding CCHF and zoonoses in general. Additionally, the study highlighted the value of epidemiological surveys as a tool for identifying knowledge gaps related to specific diseases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2024 among 4th and 5th-year veterinary students, Masters and Doctorate students, and veterinarians from the public and private sectors using a validated online questionnaire. A total of 135 individuals participated, 80.7 % professionals and 19.3 % students. The study found that 76.9 % of students and 64.2 % of veterinarians had good or very good knowledge of CCHF, yet significant gaps remained, particularly in epidemiology and diagnosis. Notably, only 34.8 % had good or very good knowledge of the disease’s situation in Spain, and many respondents felt their training and the information provided by official sources were inadequate. Additionally, the perception of infection risk from pets and attitudes towards preventing zoonoses through medication, vaccination, or regular analysis were concerning. Despite CCHF being an emerging disease in Spain, this survey—the first in Spain and Europe—reveals that veterinarians’ knowledge and attitudes in affected regions are not as advanced as needed, underscoring the importance of targeted epidemiological surveys on the knowledge of the disease.