Canes domésticos como reservorio de Leptospira spp y Toxoplasma gondii en una comunidad campesina del Bosque nuboso del noreste de Perú

The aim of this study was to identify the role of domestic dogs as reservoirs of Leptospira spp and Toxoplasma gondii in the Rural Community of Corosha, department of Amazonas, Peru, through the analysis of prevalence and epidemiological characteristics, as well as tenure associated with dog positivity. A survey was carried out on the dog owners and blood samples were taken. In total, 55 samples were analyzed by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for the identification of anti-Leptospira spp antibodies and 62 samples with the Indirect Hemagglutination technique (HAI) for anti-T. gondii. The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp was 82.3%, detecting antibodies against the Grippotyphosa (58.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (54.6%), Pomona (40.0%), Canicola (32.7%), Bratislava (30.9%) and Georgia (21.8%) serovars. Dogs with access to the river showed a higher prevalence of Leptospira (94.9%) compared to individuals without access (68.8%) (p<0.05). Likewise, 37.1% of the evaluated dogs were seropositive for T. gondii. The study reveals the circulation of Leptospira spp and T. gondii in domestic dogs of the rural community of Corosha.El objetivo del estudio fue identificar el rol de los canes domésticos como reservorios de Leptospira spp y Toxoplasma gondii en la Comunidad Campesina de Corosha, departamento de Amazonas, Perú, mediante el análisis de prevalencia y de las características epidemiológicas, así como de tenencia asociadas a la positividad de los canes. Se realizó una encuesta a los tutores de los canes y se tomaron muestras sanguíneas. En total, 55 muestras fueron analizadas por la Prueba de Aglutinación Microscópica (MAT) para la identificación de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira spp y 62 muestras con la técnica de Hemaglutinación Indirecta (HAI) para anticuerpos anti-T. gondii. La seroprevalencia de Leptospira spp fue de 82.3%, detectándose anticuerpos contra los serovares Grippotyphosa (58.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (54.6%), Pomona (40.0%), Canicola (32.7%), Bratislava (30.9%) y Georgia (21.8%). Los canes con acceso al río mostraron mayor prevalencia de Leptospira (94.9%) en comparación a los individuos que no tienen acceso (68.8%) (p<0.05). Asimismo, 37.1% de los canes evaluados resultaron seropositivos para T. gondii. El estudio da a conocer la circulación de Leptospira spp y T. gondii en canes domésticos de la comunidad campesina de Corosha

Conflict between Farmers and Guanacos (<i>Lama guanicoe cacsilensis</i>): Field Surveys, Remote Sensing, and Interviews Provide Information for Conservation of a Critically Endangered Species in Southern Peru

The Peruvian guanaco (Lama guanicoe cacsilensis) is classified as being “in critical danger of extinction” by the government. In this study, we evaluate how the conflict between farmers and guanacos in the Susapaya and Estique Districts, Tacna Department (Southern Peru) may represent a threat to their survival. To evaluate the situation, we 1. Conducted field surveys to monitor guanaco presence, 2. Used available remote sensing data to map guanaco movement, and 3. interviewed the impacted farmers concerning their losses. Remote sensing data showed that sedentary guanaco family groups located in prime steppe vegetation habitats never entered agricultural areas, while field surveys showed that bachelor bands and solitary individuals did, perhaps seeking forage due to growing population pressure. Interview data found that 90% of community farmers felt that guanacos were a problem best resolved by better fencing (45%), hunting (19%), or increased security (16%), and 92% saw no value in the conservation of the species. Hunting is illegal, given the critically endangered status of guanacos in Peru, so additional efforts are needed to both educate those who feel guanacos are a menace and involve them in efforts to preserve the species