Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel

Risk of Importing Zoonotic Diseases through Wildlife Trade, United States

“…Although a large proportion of imported animals are destined for biomedical research (in which potential occupational risks are largely understood and quarantine procedures likely mitigate risk), a greater proportion (even among the high-risk genera) are destined for commercial use and therefore could expose a wider group of persons to zoonotic diseases. Education of professionals likely to come in close contact with imported animals (e.g., veterinarians, importers, pet store employees), as well as the general public, should emphasize the risks for contracting zoonotic diseases from wildlife and pets ( 16 ) and the need for proper hygiene, safety procedures, and personal protective equipment ( 17 ). …”

Occupational Health of Animal Workers

“…Training at the time of job entry is recommended by the National Association of Public Health Veterinarians (NAPHV) for workers in veterinary facilities 41 and is relevant for other animal workers as well. Aspects of such training include education about zoonotic disease risks, infection control practices, use of personal protective equipment, safe chemical handling techniques, and injury prevention, with emphasis on proper animal handling, restraints, and recognition of behavioral cues in animals.…”

“…41 If possible, pertinent documentation of the incident should be made available to the treating medical provider. This documentation should include the date, time, location; persons injured or exposed; other persons present; description of the incident; the species, breed, and health status (vaccination history, clinical signs, diagnostic testing) of any involved animals; contact with public health and health care providers; and follow-up plans.…”

“…When possible, review the specific animal exposure of this worker. 41 The veterinarian may need to educate local medical providers to ensure adequate and confidential preplacement screening, medical surveillance, and acute injury/ illness follow-up of veterinary care workers. accidents and occupational disease was almost three times as great as that of general medical practitioners and their staff, and the rate of severe accidents resulting in lost work time was nine times greater.…”

“…41 In a European study of work-related claims by veterinary workers, the most frequent infections were ringworm, brucellosis, Lyme disease, and psittacosis. 41 In a European study of work-related claims by veterinary workers, the most frequent infections were ringworm, brucellosis, Lyme disease, and psittacosis.…”