Knowledge and practices related to exposure to fascioliasis among residents of the Pampachiri district, Apurímac - Peru

Tello F.L.; León C.D.; Falcón P.N. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v37i1.32903

Resumen

The aim of this study was to describe knowledge and practices related to fascioliasis exposure among residents of the Pampachiri district (Apurímac, Peru). A survey-based study was designed to collect demographic information, animal husbandry characteristics, risk practices in people, and knowledge about the disease. In total, 296 surveys were obtained from people between 18 and 65 years of age between September and October 2024. Results showed that 86.5% of respondents raised livestock, mainly cattle and sheep; 66.8% raised them on pasture on natural grasslands, obtaining drinking water from the river. A veterinarian was responsible for deworming in 81.3% of the cases. The majority had access to potable water (84.1%), lacked sewage services (86.5%), and defecated in open fields (80.4%). Respondents obtained vegetables from greenhouses (40.5%), their own crops (27.7%), and the local market (28.7%). The most consumed vegetables were lettuce and chard (48.6%). Respondents drank boiled water (44.3%) or chlorinated and boiled water (34.5%). Besides, 58.4% indicated having heard of fascioliasis, also known as «alicuya,» however, 54.4% were unaware of its transmission; 53% did not recognize signs of fascioliasis in animals, and 34.2% mentioned mandibular masses (submandibular oedema), diarrhoea, and weight loss. The animals were raised for sale and family consumption. Of the 209 respondents, 43.1% reported seeing the parasite in the animals’ livers; 75% were unaware of the zoonotic nature of fascioliasis, and none reported having been diagnosed with it. It was concluded that there is a lack of knowledge about fascioliasis infection among the studied population, and that they maintain risky practices, making it necessary to disseminate knowledge and promote practices that will allow for disease control. © Los autores. Este artículo es publicado por la Rev Inv Vet Perú de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia