Knowledge, practice and perception of human-marsupial interactions in health promotion.

Ianei De Oliveira Carneiro,Namá Santos Silva,Eduardo Martins Netto,Norlan De Jesus Santos,Carlos Roberto Franke,Roberto Meyer,Pedro Cerqueira Lima

doi:10.3855/jidc.10177

Abstract

Approximately 60% of emerging pathogens originate from wild animals, with mammals being the main hosts. Among Didelphis, which are restricted to the Americas, the species Didelphis aurita and Didelphis albiventris are particularly widely distributed throughout Brazil, where they act as hosts for several pathogens transmissible to humans. The reduction of their natural habitat has resulted in the adaptation of these species to human environments. Animals hunting, due to food necessity or cultural habit, may increase pathogen exposure with a potential to zoonotic disease transmission. From November to December 2016, we administered semi-structured questionnaires in a rural community in northeastern Brazil to assess knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding human-didelphis interactions and possible exposure to zoonoses. There were 213 respondents. Based on photographs of D. albiventris and D. aurita, 91.2% and 78% respondents, respectively, identified the animal by the popular name "sariguê", 61% (130/213) believed the animal could convey any disease, 4.7% stated they did not, and 34% did not know. Opossum meat consumption was reported by 20.2% (43/213), of which 58.1% admitted disease transmission possibility. Only 15.9% of respondents had a secondary or higher education level. The distribution of these frequencies is discussed according to the respondents educational level. The results reveal the need to carry out health educational activities, including better community knowledge regarding the possible exposure to pathogens due to marsupial consumption.

Highlights

60% of emerging pathogens originate from wild animals, with mammals being the main hosts
4.2% of Carneiro et al – Human-marsupial interaction and health the respondents said the photographs were of animals of two different species
This study evaluated the knowledge, practice and perception regarding the hunting and consumption of marsupials and the possible transmission of diseases by these animals in the community studied, aiming to guide future communication strategies in health

Summary

Introduction

60% of emerging pathogens originate from wild animals, with mammals being the main hosts. 60% of the emerging pathogens from wild animals have zoonotic potential [1], especially viral agents, capable of triggering global epidemics [2], for example, RNA viruses have a high mutation rate, marked infectivity, and excellent ability to adapt to new hosts [3]. In this context, both hunting activities and natural habitats reduction by deforestation increase contact between wild animals and humans, facilitating pathogen transmission [2,4]. De Oliveira Carneiro I, et al [10]

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Conclusion