Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile
Abstract Background Rodents play essential ecological roles but are also significant reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, posing risks to humans. Individuals with frequent occupational contact with rodents face an elevated risk of exposure to rodent-borne diseases. This study examines the knowledge, ri...
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BMC
2024-12-01
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| Series: | One Health Outlook |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-024-00123-7 |
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| author | Esteban Vásquez Rodrigo Salgado Hugo Mendoza Diego A. Peñaranda Darío Moreira-Arce André V. Rubio |
| author_facet | Esteban Vásquez Rodrigo Salgado Hugo Mendoza Diego A. Peñaranda Darío Moreira-Arce André V. Rubio |
| author_sort | Esteban Vásquez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Rodents play essential ecological roles but are also significant reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, posing risks to humans. Individuals with frequent occupational contact with rodents face an elevated risk of exposure to rodent-borne diseases. This study examines the knowledge, risk perceptions, and practices of Chilean environmental consultants (ECs) concerning rodents and rodent-borne diseases. Methods A 32-item questionnaire, which focused primarily on biologists, veterinarians, and environmental engineers, was administered. The questionnaire included closed, open-ended, and semi-open-ended questions. Data analyses, performed using R software, involved calculating frequencies and proportions for questions related to knowledge of rodents and rodent-borne diseases, rodent management and handling, biosafety procedures, and training. Additionally, generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to assess knowledge of rodent hosts and diseases, whereas correspondence analysis was used to examine associations between EC characteristics (undergraduate fields of study and years of experience) and responses regarding risk perception and the importance of zoonotic disease training. Results Completed questionnaires were received from 206 ECs. Although the ECs demonstrated a strong awareness of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, identifying it as a significant rodent-borne threat, knowledge gaps were evident regarding the specific role of certain rodent reservoir species and other rodent-borne diseases in Chile. For example, leptospirosis was well recognized, particularly among veterinarians, whereas emerging zoonoses such as scrub typhus was rarely mentioned. The study also revealed the frequent use of live trapping and direct handling of rodents, resulting in injuries to 32% of the respondents. Despite the widespread use of personal protective equipment, key elements such as respiratory protection and disposable suits were underutilized, and inadequate cleaning practices for traps were reported. Nevertheless, ECs expressed a willingness to participate in zoonotic disease training, underscoring the need for further education. Conclusions This study highlights the critical need for ongoing education for ECs on rodent reservoirs, diseases, and biosafety measures to enhance their safety and reduce the risk of zoonotic infections. The findings offer valuable insights for developing strategies aimed at improving awareness and strengthening biosafety practices within this occupational group. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b7d7f0e92dbf4a00baad0939bc4a448c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2524-4655 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | One Health Outlook |
| spelling | doaj-art-b7d7f0e92dbf4a00baad0939bc4a448c2025-08-20T02:49:18ZengBMCOne Health Outlook2524-46552024-12-016111410.1186/s42522-024-00123-7Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in ChileEsteban Vásquez0Rodrigo Salgado1Hugo Mendoza2Diego A. Peñaranda3Darío Moreira-Arce4André V. Rubio5Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de ChileDepartamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de ChileLaboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Ecología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y ZootecniaDepartamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de ChileDepartamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad Tecnológica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de ChileAbstract Background Rodents play essential ecological roles but are also significant reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, posing risks to humans. Individuals with frequent occupational contact with rodents face an elevated risk of exposure to rodent-borne diseases. This study examines the knowledge, risk perceptions, and practices of Chilean environmental consultants (ECs) concerning rodents and rodent-borne diseases. Methods A 32-item questionnaire, which focused primarily on biologists, veterinarians, and environmental engineers, was administered. The questionnaire included closed, open-ended, and semi-open-ended questions. Data analyses, performed using R software, involved calculating frequencies and proportions for questions related to knowledge of rodents and rodent-borne diseases, rodent management and handling, biosafety procedures, and training. Additionally, generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to assess knowledge of rodent hosts and diseases, whereas correspondence analysis was used to examine associations between EC characteristics (undergraduate fields of study and years of experience) and responses regarding risk perception and the importance of zoonotic disease training. Results Completed questionnaires were received from 206 ECs. Although the ECs demonstrated a strong awareness of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, identifying it as a significant rodent-borne threat, knowledge gaps were evident regarding the specific role of certain rodent reservoir species and other rodent-borne diseases in Chile. For example, leptospirosis was well recognized, particularly among veterinarians, whereas emerging zoonoses such as scrub typhus was rarely mentioned. The study also revealed the frequent use of live trapping and direct handling of rodents, resulting in injuries to 32% of the respondents. Despite the widespread use of personal protective equipment, key elements such as respiratory protection and disposable suits were underutilized, and inadequate cleaning practices for traps were reported. Nevertheless, ECs expressed a willingness to participate in zoonotic disease training, underscoring the need for further education. Conclusions This study highlights the critical need for ongoing education for ECs on rodent reservoirs, diseases, and biosafety measures to enhance their safety and reduce the risk of zoonotic infections. The findings offer valuable insights for developing strategies aimed at improving awareness and strengthening biosafety practices within this occupational group.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-024-00123-7Biosafety measuresEcological consultantsOccupational risksRodentiaZoonoses risk |
| spellingShingle | Esteban Vásquez Rodrigo Salgado Hugo Mendoza Diego A. Peñaranda Darío Moreira-Arce André V. Rubio Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile One Health Outlook Biosafety measures Ecological consultants Occupational risks Rodentia Zoonoses risk |
| title | Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile |
| title_full | Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile |
| title_fullStr | Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile |
| title_full_unstemmed | Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile |
| title_short | Knowledge, risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens: environmental consultants in Chile |
| title_sort | knowledge risk perceptions and practices regarding rodents and their associated pathogens environmental consultants in chile |
| topic | Biosafety measures Ecological consultants Occupational risks Rodentia Zoonoses risk |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-024-00123-7 |
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