The studies of perception of risk on health hazards from epizootics: a case study in Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas and Ciego of Avila

Abstract

The study of perceptions of human hazards from epizootics is a line of research promoted by the Environment Agency (AMA) of the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and The Environment (CITMA). AMA coordinates studies on "Hazards, Vulnerability and Risks" (PVR) including the potential human health hazards associated with animal disease. The human hazards from epizootics are studied by animal group and disease, because of the threat they pose to animal and human health alike. Studies on "Hazards, Vulnerability and Risks" (PVR) associated with epizootics  focus on assessing risk, hazard perception and vulnerability, toward improving prevention as the best way to reduce death rates of humans and animals, and material losses associated with epizootics. The results indicate that the levels of perception are heterogeneous at the provincial and municipal levels. The diseases most damaging to animal health identified by the population are: Leptospirosis, Rabies, Anthrax, Ebola, Rift Valley Fever; Avian Influence, Brucellosis; Tuberculosis and Encephalitis. The study focuses on the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas and Ciego de Avila.The objective is to characterize and classify the levels of perception of the population by groups (high, medium and low).