International Journal of One Health, EISSN: 2455-8931 183 International Journal of One Health Available at www.onehealthjournal.org/Vol.10/No.2/4.pdf RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Perceptions of health and ecosystem risks from free-roaming domestic animals in Mediterranean wetlands: One health perspective Yanina Poblete 1 , Iñigo Bidegain 1 , Francisca Di Pillo 1 , Marcela Fresno 1 , Carla Salazar 2 , Tamara Palma 2 , and Ricardo Jiménez 1 1. Núcleo de Investigación en One Health (NIOH). Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Campus Providencia, Manuel Montt, Santiago, Chile; 2. EPIFAVET: Unidad de Epidemiología Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa, Santiago, Chile. Corresponding author: Yanina Poblete, e-mail: yanina.poblete@udla.cl Co-authors: IB: ibidegain@udla.cl, FDP: fdipillo@udla.cl, MF: mfresno@udla.cl, CS: carlasll@veterinaria.uchile.cl, TP: tanna.palma@gmail.com, RJ: jimenezvasquez@gmail.com Received: 30-05-2024, Accepted: 06-09-2024, Published online: 26-09-2024 doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/IJOH.2024.183-195 How to cite this article: Poblete Y, Bidegain I, Pillo FD, Fresno M, Salazar C, Palma T, and Jiménez R (2024) Perceptions of health and ecosystem risks from free-roaming domestic animals in Mediterranean wetlands: One health perspective, Int. J. One Health, 10(2): 183–195. Abstract Background and Aim: Free-roaming domestic animals (FRDAs) impact ecosystems and public health. The perception of the ecological and health risks posed by FRDAs can vary depending on individual, cultural, and social factors. In this study, we assessed the perception of ecological and health risks associated with FRDAs in the Batuco wetland (Chile) from a One Health perspective. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to 399 respondents. A Chi-square test, generalized linear models, and correlations were carried out to assess whether respondents’ status (resident or tourist), gender, age, and educational level explained their perception of risks and views on control and management actions for FRDAs. These data were used to propose interventions based on the One Health approach. Results: Residents exhibited greater awareness of the presence of FRDAs in the Batuco wetland but had a lower perception of ecological risks and control and management actions than tourists. In contrast to men, women showed a higher level of knowledge regarding ecological and health risks and identified significantly more control and management actions. However, overall knowledge of ecological and health risks is limited across all groups. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need to implement community engagement and educational programs for residents and tourists using a One Health approach that promotes participation from both men and women to reduce gender gaps in ecological and health risk awareness associated with FRDAs. Keywords: Ecological risk, free-roaming domestic animals, health risk, one health, urban wetland. Introduction Domestic animals are those that have under- gone domestication, either through natural or artificial selection, resulting from prolonged interactions with humans. This category includes companion animals, such as dogs and cats, as well as productive animals, such as cows, horses, sheep, chickens, and pigs [1]. Domestication has induced significant and herita- ble changes in these animals, including alterations in cognition and behavior [2], gut microbiota [3, 4], and gene expression [5]. Moreover, domestication has had profound implications for human society, facili- tating the development of agriculture and the use of animals for food, transportation, and companion- ship [6]. Domestic animals have received essential provisions from humans, including water, food, shel- ter, and protection, thereby establishing mutually beneficial co-dependence [7]. Responsible ownership of domestic animals ensures a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and domestic animals, prioritizing their welfare, happiness, and overall qual- ity of life [8]. It involves meeting individuals’ physi- cal, behavioral, and psychological needs to promote optimal health, welfare, and well-being [9, 10]. This includes providing appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, socialization, exercise, and suitable living con- ditions. Compliance with legal requirements, respon- sible breeding practices, proactive disease prevention, and behavior training that reduce conflicts and ensure the safety of both animals and humans are also inte- gral aspects of responsible ownership [8]. Responsible ownership extends beyond animal welfare, as it has significant implications for ecosys- tems and public health. Domestic animals that roam freely due to inadequate or absent responsible own- ership can significantly disrupt ecosystems and pose health risks [11, 12]. For instance, domestic carnivores may compete with native species for food and habitats, Copyright: Poblete, et al. 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