Abstract

GOMEZ DE LA TORRE, N.  and  TARABLA, H.D.. Occupational accidents and diseases in small animal practice, frequency of adoption of safety practices. InVet [online]. 2015, vol.17, n.2, pp.223-227. ISSN 1668-3498.

A cross-sectional study was performed in N=23 small animal practitioners in the city of Mendoza, Argentina, by means of personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t test. As much as 30.4% did not have any medical coverage and 47.8% had suffered some zoonotic disease, mainly external parasites. All were injured in labore (mainly needlesticks, bites and scratches). Gloves were the most used protective element in labore, but the frequency of use of other elements was low. Only 23.1% of those working in radiology (n=13) were licensed, 38.5% were registered by the health service and none used a dosimeter. Young and female veterinarians adopted protective practices more frequently than experienced and male veterinarians.

Keywords : Ocupational health; Veterinarians; Small animal practice.