Cara C Cherry1, María E Negrón Sureda2, John D Gibbins3, Christa R Hale4, G Sean Stapleton5,6, Emma S Jones7, Megin C Nichols6. 1. Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA. 2. Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA. 3. Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, Cincinnati, OH. 4. Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, Denver, CO. 5. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN. 6. Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA. 7. Office of the Director, Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Fort Collins, CO.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To understand large animal veterinarians' knowledge of select zoonotic diseases that cause livestock abortions and identify barriers to using personal protective equipment (PPE). SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 469 veterinarians currently working with livestock. PROCEDURES: We sent an electronic survey invitation to large animal veterinarians through various veterinary organizations. Respondents answered questions addressing knowledge and prior experience with select abortion-associated zoonotic diseases, resources available for infection control, attitudes and barriers to PPE use, and demographics. RESULTS: Median participant age was 49 years (range, 22 to 82 years), and 54% (235/438) were male. Half of veterinarians (185/348) were contacted 5 or fewer times per year to consult on livestock abortions. No veterinarians surveyed answered all questions on zoonotic disease transmission correctly. Personal protective equipment access varied, from 99% (289/290) having access to gloves to 20% (59/290) having access to respirators. Concerns for spreading disease to other animals (136/289 [47%]) and to other humans (108/287 [38%]) ranked as the most common reported motivators for PPE use. Reported barriers to PPE use among survey participants were the inconvenience of taking PPE into the field (101/286 [35%]) and the inconvenience of wearing PPE (97/286 [34%]). Access to PPE was not correlated with PPE use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surveyed veterinarians had limited knowledge of transmission of select abortion-associated zoonotic diseases. Incomplete understanding might lead to inappropriate PPE selection, preventable disease exposure, or missed opportunities for client education. Inconvenience was a primary reason PPE was not used.
OBJECTIVE: To understand large animal veterinarians' knowledge of select zoonotic diseases that cause livestock abortions and identify barriers to using personal protective equipment (PPE). SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 469 veterinarians currently working with livestock. PROCEDURES: We sent an electronic survey invitation to large animal veterinarians through various veterinary organizations. Respondents answered questions addressing knowledge and prior experience with select abortion-associated zoonotic diseases, resources available for infection control, attitudes and barriers to PPE use, and demographics. RESULTS: Median participant age was 49 years (range, 22 to 82 years), and 54% (235/438) were male. Half of veterinarians (185/348) were contacted 5 or fewer times per year to consult on livestock abortions. No veterinarians surveyed answered all questions on zoonotic disease transmission correctly. Personal protective equipment access varied, from 99% (289/290) having access to gloves to 20% (59/290) having access to respirators. Concerns for spreading disease to other animals (136/289 [47%]) and to other humans (108/287 [38%]) ranked as the most common reported motivators for PPE use. Reported barriers to PPE use among survey participants were the inconvenience of taking PPE into the field (101/286 [35%]) and the inconvenience of wearing PPE (97/286 [34%]). Access to PPE was not correlated with PPE use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surveyed veterinarians had limited knowledge of transmission of select abortion-associated zoonotic diseases. Incomplete understanding might lead to inappropriate PPE selection, preventable disease exposure, or missed opportunities for client education. Inconvenience was a primary reason PPE was not used.
Authors: Carl J Williams; Joni M Scheftel; Brigid L Elchos; Sharon G Hopkins; Jay F Levine Journal: J Am Vet Med Assoc Date: 2015-12-01 Impact factor: 1.936
Authors: Brigid L Elchos; Joni M Scheftel; Bryan Cherry; Emilio E DeBess; Sharon G Hopkins; Jay F Levine; Carl J Williams Journal: J Am Vet Med Assoc Date: 2008-08-01 Impact factor: 1.936
Authors: Anne-Marika Siponen; Paula M Kinnunen; Joanna Koort; Hannimari Kallio-Kokko; Olli Vapalahti; Anna-Maija Virtala; Pikka Jokelainen Journal: Zoonoses Public Health Date: 2018-12-09 Impact factor: 2.702