Epidemiology of animal-related injuries in a high-income developing country

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence, mechanisms, types, anatomical distribution, and outcome of animal related-injuries in Al-Ain, the United Arab Emirates in order to improve preventive measures.

The study included all patients admitted to Al-Ain Hospital with animal-related injuries for more than 24 hours or the patients who died in the Emergency Department between March 2003 and March 2007.

There were eighty-nine (2.3%) patients, of whom 99% were males. The median age of the patients was 30 (range, 5-89) years. Camel-related injuries were the most common (84.3%) injuries followed by cow-related injuries (6.7%). 88.7% of the injuries occurred at work. Animal kick was the most common mechanism of injury (32.6%) followed by falls (30.3%). Upper extremity was the most commonly injured region. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 4 (range, 1-13) and the median hospital stay was 6 (range, 1-53) days.

The majority of animal-related injuries were caused by camels. Experience in handling the animals, a good knowledge of animal behavior along with using safety devices and prevention education can reduce the toll of animal-related injuries.