Occupational injuries and illnesses reported by zoo veterinarians in the United States

A 14-page comprehensive survey was mailed to all 565 United States members of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians to identify the frequency of physical injuries, radiation exposures, chemical exposures, allergic or irritant reactions, infections, and use of preventive measures, and 315 (55.8%) veterinarians responded. Significant findings include major animal-related injury (61.5%), back injury (55%), necropsy injury (44.1%), adverse formalin exposure (40.2%), animal allergy (32.2%), zoonotic infection (30.2%), and insect allergy (14.2%). We also found that gender, length of experience, and practice type affected the number and type of incidents encountered in practice. Females reported a higher rate of zoonotic infection, insect allergy, and adverse exposure to anesthetic gas, formalin, and disinfectants/sterilants. Zoo veterinarians with more years of experience were more likely to receive major animal-related injury and associated hospitalization, back injury, and lost work time associated with back injury. Full-time zoo veterinarians were more likely to report back injury and inadequate knowledge of occupational hazards. Results are compared with hazards reported by veterinarians working in other fields. The frequency of injuries reported demonstrates a greater need for comprehensive health and safety programs for zoo veterinarians.