[Investigation on zoonoses among veterinary technicians]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Zoonotic diseases pose significant risks to both animal and human health.
• Effective communication of zoonosis prevention strategies by veterinary professionals is crucial for public health.
• Veterinary technicians play a key role in educating pet owners about zoonotic disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge level of veterinary clinic staff regarding zoonotic diseases.
• To evaluate the extent to which veterinary professionals inform pet owners about zoonosis prevention.
• To identify potential gaps in continuing education for veterinary staff concerning zoonotic diseases.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 1,057 veterinary clinic staff, primarily veterinary technicians.
• Participants were surveyed on their knowledge of zoonosis and their methods of informing pet owners.
• Knowledge of specific zoonotic pathogens (e.g., Spirometra erinacei, Giardia lamblia, Toxoplasma gondii) was assessed.

Main Results:

• A majority of respondents (53.8%) reported "neither sufficient nor insufficient" knowledge of zoonosis.
• Similarly, 52.4% felt their method of informing pet owners was "neither sufficient nor insufficient."
• Knowledge of specific zoonotic agents varied, with longer tenure correlating with increased awareness of certain parasites like Toxocara canis and Echinococcus spp.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary clinic staff demonstrate a need for enhanced knowledge and communication skills regarding zoonotic diseases.
• Current continuing education opportunities may be insufficient to meet the needs of veterinary professionals in this area.
• Systematic improvements in education and training are recommended to better equip veterinary staff for zoonotic disease prevention education.