The Biocultural Landscape of Zoonotic Disease: Examining Human-Animal Vulnerability to Anthrax on the Colombian-Venezuelan Border

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/cj82k7726

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is to provide a holistic understanding of the political, cultural, environmental, and biological factors that may be contributing to increased vulnerability to anthrax in Wayuu and non-Wayuu human and livestock communities in La Guajira, Colombia. Qualitative data collection was undertaken during a three month period from May to August 2014. A total of 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Wayuu and non-Wayuu herdowners, veterinarians, and government public health officials. Direct observations were collected on rancherías and farms in La Guajira throughout the duration of the study. The findings of this study suggest that the anthrax-drought relationship is mediated by several high-impact factors, primarily large and small scale animal movement. These anthropological insights will contribute to a greater understanding of human-animal relations in complex ecological contexts and to the ongoing reframing of international public health into a more holistic, locally-responsive, global health practice.

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