Zoonoses and the physicians' role in educating farming patients

The purpose of this study was to characterize physicians' knowledge of zoonoses and perceived role in the process of zoonoses education among their farming patients in Northeast Ohio. In 2006, 92 practicing physicians (specialties included family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and preventive medicine) identified through Web-based hospital directories participated in a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize physicians' practice procedures, and self- perceived knowledge of zoonoses. The survey demonstrated that over 50% of physicians were either mostly uncomfortable or strongly uncomfortable with their knowledge of zoonoses, and in their ability to diagnose and make recommendations on how to prevent zoonotic infections. Fifty-four percent either strongly agreed or mostly agreed that it was important to ask patients who engage in livestock production about zoonoses exposure, but when asked to pick one professional category as the most responsible for educating individuals about agricultural-related zoonoses, the most frequent category chosen was public health official, followed by veterinarian, agricultural extension agent, and physician. Fifty-three percent felt a collaborative relationship with a veterinarian who possessed specialty training in zoonoses would be valuable to their practice. A gap may exist in the delivery of zoonoses information and patient care, requiring better communication between health care providers, veterinarians, and public health officials serving farmers.