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01-09-2018 | Short Communication

Conservation Values and Risk of Handling Bats: Implications for One Health Communication

Authors: C. N. Crockford, A. J. Dean, S. Reid, J. H. Dean

Published in: EcoHealth | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Flying-foxes provide critical ecosystem services, but their role as hosts to zoonotic pathogens may undermine conservation support. We surveyed 214 residents of Cairns, Australia, regarding their perceptions about health risks associated with flying-foxes and support for flying-fox conservation. Greater likelihood of handling a flying-fox was associated with lower knowledge about risks, greater conservation support, and environmental organization membership. Respondents less likely to seek medical attention after a minor scratch tended to be younger, unemployed and perceive lower risk. Individuals who support flying-fox conservation should be one group targeted in One Health communication integrating health and conservation messages.

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Title: Conservation Values and Risk of Handling Bats: Implications for One Health Communication
Authors: C. N. Crockford
A. J. Dean
S. Reid
J. H. Dean
Publication date: 01-09-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: EcoHealth / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1612-9202
Electronic ISSN: 1612-9210
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-018-1356-z

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