Formerly International Journal of Basic and Applied Agricultural Research

Occupational hazards among veterinarians

PARMAR, T., UPADHYAY A. K. and MAANSI
Pantnagar Journal of Research, Volume - 19, Issue - 2 ( May-August, 2021)

Published: 2021-09-01

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Abstract


Veterinary professionals are always exposed to occupational risks like traumatic injuries, zoonotic diseases and mental health hazards. Physical injuries reported were bite (31.8%), scratch (65.1%), kick (62.8%), horn wound (14%), needle prick (89.2%), fracture (3.8%) and injuries due to falling/ lifting animals/ moving heavy equipment (61.3%). Majority of veterinarians experienced some form of allergy. Incidence of skin irritation was highest among 50.2% veterinarians. Ringworm (13.5%) and fungal infection (26.5%) were most common zoonotic infection. Low level stress was reported in 45% of participants, 34% had moderate and 21% felt high level of psychological stress. The proportion of participants using protective equipment includes 60% gloves, 1.1% goggles, and 39.8% apron. The study showed that 171(43.6%), 122 (31.1%), 67 (17.1%), 32 (8.2%) veterinarians followed deworming at 6 month, 1 year, 2 year and more than 2 year intervals respectively. The awareness levels concerning occupational hazards among the veterinary health professionals was near optimal but the need was felt to implement efforts aimed at addressing deterrence of occupational hazards.


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