[Occupational biological hazard in veterinary medicine: an area for priority interventions]

Veterinary medicine is an activity related to several health hazards; during the last years, studies about the biological hazard associated to animals have been conducted, such hazards represented by the zoonotic diseases and the allergic reactions in exposed workers. Despite its importance, in Colombia the knowledge about the occupational biohazard is scarce, its magnitude is overlooked and in addition a passive attitude from practitioners exists. The few research spaces available and the scattered actions for its prevention, influence directly on the workers' health, on the quality of the services offered and obviously on the quality of life in society. The present article discusses the causes and consequences of biological hazards in veterinary medicine, shows a panorama of the national problem and contributes with alternatives for its solutions.