Prevalencia de la mordedura de murciélagos hematófagos (DESMODUS ROTUNDUS) a bovinos en las parroquias de Río Verde y Río Negro del cantón Baños, provincia de Tungurahua

Abstract

In the province of Tungurahua, there is little or no information on attacks by hematophagous bats (Desmodus rotundus) and their impact on livestock production. In the canton of Baños de Agua Santa, cases of affected cattle and other species have been reported; however, there are no studies that quantify the magnitude of these attacks, the associated risk factors, or the economic losses derived from this problem. The present research involved a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the parishes of Río Verde and Río Negro, through the application of on-site epidemiological surveys and visual inspection of cattle. The results showed a prevalence of affected farms of 83.3% (95% CI: 65.7–100) in Río Verde and 92.7% (95% CI: 84–100) in Río Negro. Regarding the total number of animals evaluated in these parishes, attacks reached 51.0% (95% CI: 43.2–58.8) and 68.5% (95% CI: 63.6–73.4), respectively. Statistical analysis using the chisquare test identified proximity to caves and the resting place of cattle as risk factors, significantly increasing the probability of bat bites. This study represents an initial contribution to establishing a technical basis for the implementation of control, prevention, and monitoring programs to address this problem in the region.