Human–animal contact (HAC) is a key driver of zoonotic disease emergence and transmission, yet population-based data from Latin America remain limited. The objective of this study was to characterize HAC patterns and estimate zoonotic exposure in wildlife-rich settings across Bolivia, Chile, and Guatemala. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 2389 participants in rural, urban, and protected areas to assess direct, indirect, and foodborne contact with domestic and wild animals. Patterns of HAC were visualized using heatmaps, and a proxy-based exposure index was developed based on literature-derived weightings for rabies, brucellosis, and bovine tuberculosis. Associations with sociodemographic and knowledge-related factors were analyzed using multivariable regression models. Overall, 92% of participants reported domestic animal contact—most frequently with dogs, cats, poultry, and swine—while 32% reported wild animal contact, predominantly with wild birds, rodents, and bats. 99% of individuals with wildlife contact also reported contact with domestic animals. Direct interactions, including ownership, handling, and slaughtering, were most common, whereas indirect and foodborne contacts were less frequent. Adolescents and participants with lower income and education showed higher exposure scores. However, in adjusted models, country and area of residence were the most consistent determinants of exposure. Rural residence was associated with greater exposure to brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, and prior zoonosis training with lower exposure to rabies. The study highlights the co-occurrence of wildlife and domestic human-animal contacts. Further research integrating HAC, pathogen surveillance, and host vulnerability with a One Health approach is critical for identifying high-risk human-animal-environment interfaces.

Las mascotas son seres que pueden afectar de manera positiva la salud física, emocional y social de los humanos. Sin embargo, cuando su tenencia es negativa, genera riesgos de zoonosis, agresiones, contaminación por fecalismo urbano, entre otros. Por tanto, la educación en tenencia responsable de animales es una estrategia de prevención y mitigación promoviendo el bienestar. El estudio, describir la percepción de estudiantes de secundaria sobre tenencia responsable de mascotas en el marco del proyecto de Acción Investigación Participativa “Tenencia Responsable de Animales en la Ciudad de Sucre” desarrollado los años 2019 (pre COVID-19) y 2022 (Post COVID-19) en dos Unidades educativas con estudiantes de secundaria de 15 a 17 años. Para esto, se implementó un cuestionario de autocompletado, sobre la percepción de aspectos necesarios para tener una mascota dentro de una tenencia responsable de animales. Los resultados muestran que los participantes, en ambos periodos, conocen aspectos sobre tenencia responsable de mascotas, pero se deben priorizar en próximos talleres, temáticas sobre el tiempo de dedicación, conocimiento sobre razas de las mascotas, recojo de heces, mudanza y convivencia de la mascota con la familia.

La disposición final de animales de compañía genera en muchas situaciones controversias debido a sus riesgos potenciales y la sensibilidad del tema. En Bolivia, los animales fallecidos, comúnmente son enterrados en jardines o terrenos baldíos, dispuestos como residuos sólidos o abandonados en vías públicas, generando riesgos ambientales y para la salud pública. El presente estudio analizó, a través de una encuesta a la población general, los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas con relación a la disposición de los cadáveres de mascotas y las posibles prácticas que favorecen una gestión adecuada. Se obtuvieron 2731 encuestas válidas. La tenencia de perros y gatos fue de 62 y 33%, respectivamente. El entierro es la práctica más conocida (92%) y preferida (65%) para disponer de los cadáveres. Se identificó un bajo conocimiento sobre la legislación local para tenencia responsable de animales (43%), de enfermedades zoonóticas (27%), y de servicios de disposición de cadáveres de mascotas (8%). Se encontraron diferencias significativas debidas a las variables edad, nivel de educación y género. Es necesario implementar acciones integrales, adecuadas al contexto local, que promuevan mayor educación, sensibilización y prácticas seguras en relación al manejo de cadáveres y su disposición final.

Introduction: Human–animal contact (HAC) is a key driver of zoonotic disease emergence and transmission, yet population-based data from Latin America remain limited. The objective of this study was to characterize HAC patterns and estimate zoonotic exposure in wildlife-rich settings across Bolivia, Chile, and Guatemala. Methods: A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey was conducted among 2,389 participants in rural, urban, and protected areas to collect direct, indirect, and foodborne contact with domestic and wild animals. Frequencies and patterns of HAC were analyzed and visualized using heatmaps, and a Zoonotic Exposure Index was developed based on literature-derived weightings for rabies, brucellosis, and bovine tuberculosis. Group differences were analyzed according to sociodemographic and knowledge-related factors. Results: Overall, 92% of participants reported domestic animal contact—most frequently with dogs, cats, poultry, and swine—while 32% reported wild animal contact, predominantly with wild birds, rodents, and bats. 99% of individuals with wildlife contact also reported contact with domestic animals. Direct interactions, including ownership, handling, and slaughtering, were most common, whereas indirect and foodborne contacts were less frequent. Adolescents showed the highest exposure. Higher education, income, and prior training on zoonoses were associated with lower exposure. Conclusion: The study confirms the widespread nature of HAC across wildlife, livestock, and humans. The zoonotic Exposure Index offers a useful framework, and exposure estimates provide baseline data to support pathogen surveillance and predictive risk modeling in the region. Adolescents and low-income populations emerge as key targets for One Health interventions.