Hazards Related to Environmental and Infectious Diseases in Veterinary Medicine

Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted through close contact with infected animals by inhalation, oral exposure, and dermal exposure. The risk to veterinary staff depends on the species of animals they work with, the infection control practices in place, and the employee's personal health. A table of global zoonoses by organism, animal, distribution, method of transmission, and clinical signs is available in the Zoonotic Diseases chapter.

Staff should be educated about the zoonotic risks in their workplace and trained in the best practices to minimize risk. Employers should provide the appropriate training, supplies, and controls, including personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed, to prevent and decrease workplace risk. A comprehensive resource for zoonotic disease control in veterinary practices is available: the Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel issued by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV).

Infection control practices are important to prevent and minimize the transmission of zoonotic pathogens from animals to veterinary staff. A written biosecurity plan should be developed and implemented. The NASPHV's Model Infection Control Plan for Veterinary Practices provides a template.

For more information, see:

• 2018 AAHA Infection Control and Prevention Guidelines

• American Association of Equine Practitioners General Biosecurity Guidelines

• CDC: Zoonotic Diseases

• WHO: Zoonoses

Workers can be exposed to anesthetic gases during veterinary dentistry and surgical procedures. Exposure to these gases, if they are not adequately controlled, may pose health risks to veterinary workers. Workers should be educated about the anesthetic gases they work with and trained in best practices for minimizing exposure. Anesthesia machines should be regularly maintained. The anesthesia area should be well ventilated, and appropriate scavenging equipment and other controls should be used.

For more information, see:

• American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA): Commentary and Recommendations on Control of Waste Anesthetic Gases in the Workplace

• California Department of Public Health: Isoflurane May Harm Veterinary Worker Health

• OSHA: Waste Anesthetic Gases

• NIOSH: Nitrous Oxide

• NIOSH: Waste Anesthetic Gases—Occupational Hazards in Hospitals

Hazardous drugs, such as antineoplastic drugs and other drugs that may be hazardous to humans, may be used to treat both small and large animals. Veterinary workers exposed to hazardous drugs may face adverse health risks. Employers should educate staff about the hazardous drugs they work with, including training them in best practices to minimize exposures. Clients should also be informed about home exposure to hazardous drugs and waste from animals who receive hazardous medications such as chemotherapeutic drugs.

For more information, see:

• NIOSH: Hazardous Drug Exposures in Healthcare

• NIOSH: Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs for Veterinary Healthcare Workers

The cleaning and disinfection products selected for use in veterinary settings should be safe and effective. Staff should be trained in the proper use, labeling, and storage of all cleaning and disinfection agents in the workplace.

For more information, see:

• US EPA: Identifying Greener Cleaning Products

• OSHA-NIOSH: Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals

• US EPA: Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants