Veterinarians' knowledge and practices on animal Tungiasis in Bahia State, Northeast Brazil.

Abstract

Tungiasis is a skin-related neglected tropical disease affecting vulnerable communities, with significant risk to both human and animal health. We investigated knowledge and practices of veterinarians in Bahia State, Brazil, regarding animal tungiasis. An online questionnaire was sent to 600 veterinarians, with a response rate of 209/600 (34.8%). A total of 197/600 (32.8%) questionnaires were valid and included in the analysis. The majority of veterinarians (158/190; 83.2%) self-reported knowledge about Tunga sp., 136/197 (69.0%) had previously treated animals with tungiasis, and 136/183 (74.3%) mentioned dogs as the most commonly affected species. Summer was considered as the season with highest incidences (76/197; 38.6%), and rural areas were the primary origin of affected animals (94/242; 38.8%). A total of 170/197 (85.3%) reported knowledge of transmission between animals and humans, and 139/197 (71%) had observed tungiasis lesions in humans. A total of 153/197 (77.7%) veterinarians answered that they had treated patients with tungiasis lesions in their clinical practice. Systemic nitenpyram was the most commonly used treatment. This study shows that tungiasis is a zoonotic disease of public health importance in Bahia State, and that the zoonosis is well known - but still neglected - by veterinarians. Veterinarians should consider tungiasis in their clinical practice. Intervention measures considering a multidisciplinary One Health Approach are warranted.