Knowledge About Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Municipality of Girón, Santander, Colombia

Abstract This study evaluated the perception of the population in the municipality of Girón, Santander, Colombia, regarding knowledge of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). A semi-structured survey was conducted with 387 individuals in 2023, to assess their understanding of CVL in Girón, a municipality within the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander. A descriptive analysis was carried out using JASP software, and associations were tested using the Chi-square and Cramer’s V tests, with a significant level of p < 0.05. Only 9.3% of participants had heard of the disease and identified it as zoonotic, while 7.8% reported knowing its mode of transmission. Regarding the vector, 51.2% correctly identified phlebotomine sandflies, although misconceptions persisted—32.6% attributed transmission to Aedes aegypti and 9.3% to dogs. In terms of risk perception, 41.9% believed anyone could suffer from the disease, and 60.5% considered that certain groups were at greater risk. However, only 12.4% recognized CVL as a serious illness, and 8.5% believed it could be fatal. Concerning prevention, 45.0% thought that hygiene could help control the disease, but most did not associate this with veterinary health monitoring. Among respondents with dogs, only 5.6% had ever conducted diagnostic tests, all of which were positive. Considering the significance of CVL as a neglected zoonotic disease and public health problem, this study highlights the limited and inconsistent knowledge of the community. The findings emphasize the need for eco-epidemiological surveillance and educational programs targeting dog owners and veterinarians to strengthen control and prevention strategies for leishmaniasis.