Speaker
Description
In the northern Patagonian region of Argentina and Chile (33°-46° S), Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) is a major public health concern due to its unique person-to-person transmission and high case fatality rates (30-50%). The expansion of human settlements into forested areas increases infection risk through greater exposure to native rodent reservoirs. In this context, domestic animals may
influence the transmission dynamics of zoonotic agents such as ANDV. We collected blood samples from dogs (n=67) and cats (n=146), and assessed ownership patterns (including confinement status and outdoor access) and animal behavior through structured surveys with pet owners during municipal neutering campaigns in different Argentine localities. Preliminary results show that 13 % of
pets are strictly confined, whereas 87 % are semi-free; no fully free-ranging animals were recorded. Rodent-hunting behavior was reported in 74% (18% dogs, 56% cats) of domestic animals. Additionally, 82% of respondents frequently observed free-roaming animals, and 86% considered this a public health risk. Unrestricted outdoor access, rodent hunting behavior, and weak responsible ownership practices (e.g., low vaccination compliance) highlight potential contacts between domestic animals and wild ANDV reservoirs. In a region with a high-risk of human hantavirus infection, these findings underscore the need to strengthen responsible pet ownership and promote health education strategies within a One Health framework.
Keywords
Andes virus; hantavirus; Argentina; domestic animals; pet ownership; One Health
| Registration ID | OHS26-114 |
|---|---|
| Professional Status of the Speaker | PhD Student |
| Junior Scientist Status | Yes, I am a Junior Scientist. |
Author
Co-authors
External references
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