Abstract

TARABLA, H.D. Occupational risks in veterinarans from the central-west area of Santa Fe province, Argentina. InVet [online]. 2009, vol.11, n.1, pp.39-47. ISSN 1668-3498.

The frequency of occupational accidents, zoonosis, lost of work days, and protective practices were estimated by means of telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire on 94 Veterinarians from Central-West Santa Fe Province. Seventy six percent suffered occupational accidents on the previous year, while only 7,4% did not have a single accident throughout their careers. Most frequent lesions were punctures, concussions, haematomas, abrasions, and cutting injuries caused by animals, needles and traffic. Thirty nine percent suffered accidents in itinere, mostly due to traffic. Fifty five percent required medical assistance, and one third suffered lost of work days, with a mean of 25,2±29,6 days. Two cases of brucellosis (2,9%) developed on the 12 months prior to the survey, while 28,7% suffered from zoonotic diseases any time throughout their careers, mainly brucellosis. Usage of protective elements was clearly insufficient. Although 53,2% suffered illnesses due to their profession, 74,5 % had never had any training on occupational hazards. The need of specific training on this area seems unavoidable.

Keywords : Veterinarians; Occupational risks; Accidents; Zoonosis.

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