Occupational Risks and Exposures Among Wildlife Health Professionals.
Most emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, with wildlife a frequent source of zoonotic disease events. Although individuals with extensive wildlife contact may be at the greatest risk of contracting novel infectious agents, the occupational risk of those working closely with wildlife has not been well studied. This study assessed the occupational exposures among wildlife health professionals working in multiple countries worldwide. An occupational risk survey of past and present exposures was developed and administered online in a confidential manner to wildlife workers recruited through an ongoing international wildlife pathogen surveillance project. Surveys were completed by 71 participants in 14 countries. Significant lifetime exposures reported included bites from bats and rodents and touching dead animals. Completion of training in occupational safety was reported by 75% of respondents. While gloves were used for most tasks, use of N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment varied by task. Eighty percent of workers reported rabies vaccination. Some respondents indicated interest in enhanced occupational health services targeting their unique needs. Wildlife workers represent an occupational population at risk of zoonotic infection and injury. Enhanced occupational health services targeting wildlife workers could reduce the risk and sequelae of zoonotic exposure and infection.
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Center for One Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Washington., 1959 NE Pacific St. HSB F551, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. gemina@uw.edu.
Gemina
G
Garland-Lewis
Center for Conservation Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA.
Christopher
C
Whittier
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 5502, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA.
Suzan
S
Murray
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Center for One Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Washington., 1959 NE Pacific St. HSB F551, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
Sally
S
Trufan
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Center for One Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Washington., 1959 NE Pacific St. HSB F551, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
Peter M
PM
Rabinowitz
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001733:Bites and Stings; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D009790:Occupations; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000517:prevention & control*
international occupational health; occupational disease; wildlife; wildlife workers; zoonoses