Summary
Zoonoses are discussed as occupational diseases, with special reference
to animal husbandry and related activities. After quoting some historical
references, occupational zoonoses are examined in relation to the
evolution of the concept of occupational zoonosis, the involvement
of the World Health Organization in this field, their socio-economic
significance, the principal working activities, zoonoses of greatest
importance (with special reference to the Mediterranean region),
the evaluation of damage and risks. An outline is made of the transmission
of zoonoses from farm workers to animals and the biological hazards
from the environment. The present situation of occupational zoonoses
and related risks in industrialised and traditional farming activities
are presented and the importance of some emerging and re-emerging
zoonoses for the health of workers is highlighted. The author concludes
by stressing that the prevention of occupational zoonoses must be
implemented jointly by both veterinary and medical services through
preventive measures and epidemiological surveillance of human and
animal health, risk evaluation, diagnosis of infections and prompt
reporting. It is hoped that the future will offer better inter-disciplinary
collaboration and that legislation will be timely and better tailored
to safeguard working health and safety.
Keywords
Animal,
Animal husbandry, Disease, Health, Occupational disease, Public
health, Veterinary public health, World Health Organisation, Zoonosis.
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