G. Bilkei et O. Biro, Occupational hazards for veterinary surgeons responsible for intensive pigherds. I common risk factors, TIER UMSCH, 55(4), 2000, pp. 222
A number of human health problems associated with veterinarians responsible
for intensively managed pig herds exist. These were evaluated via a questi
onnaire - based study of 168 such veterinarians, subdivided into two groups
by age. Group 1 comprised 102 veterinarians less than 40 years of age and
Group 2 comprised 66 veterinarians 40 years of age ol older. The occupation
al hazards evaluated were zoonoses, injuries, allergies and toxicoses.
Dermatomycosis was recorded by 2 veterinarians (1.9%) in Group 1, but no zo
onotic conditions were recorded in Group 2. Minor injuries were common in b
oth groups (89.2% in Group 1 and 100% in Group 2). Pack and joint problems
were recorded by 30.4% of Group 1 and by 57.6% of Group 2. Allergic reasons
and toxicoses were recorded infrequently, 1.9% of Group 1 and 1.5% of Grou
p 2 recorded allergic reactions and toxicoses were only reported by 1 veter
inarian (1%) in Group 1.