Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Medicine
Summary
Veterinary professionals encounter a broad spectrum of occupational hazards that span biological, physical, chemical and environmental domains. Biological risks arise from zoonotic pathogens transmitted by direct animal contact, aerosols or contaminated fomites, underscoring the importance of infection control and surveillance. Physical hazards include bites, kicks and needlestick injuries, alongside cumulative musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive postures and handling of large animals. Chemical exposures cover anaesthetic gases, disinfectants and cytotoxic drugs, while environmental factors range from noise and ionising radiation to extreme temperatures. The global veterinary community is increasingly adopting a One Health perspective, recognising that safeguarding practitioner health contributes to animal welfare and public health. Effective prevention integrates engineering controls, administrative policies, comprehensive training and the consistent use of personal protective equipment. Recent assessments reveal gaps in reporting, adherence to protective practices and ergonomics, spurring calls for standardised curricula, targeted risk assessments and strengthened safety cultures within veterinary settings.
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Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Medicine publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in occupational health and safety in veterinary medicine across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Zoonosis: An infectious disease transmissible between animals and humans under natural conditions. Needlestick injury (NSI): Penetration of the skin by a needle or other sharp instrument potentially contaminated with biological material. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD): Injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons or joints caused by repetitive strain or sustained awkward postures. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Clothing or apparatus worn to minimise exposure to hazards, including gloves, masks, gowns and eye protection. One Health: An integrated approach recognising the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health in managing disease risks.
References
- Zoonotic infections in UK and Irish veterinary students: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health (2024).
- Audit of animal‐related injuries at UK veterinary schools between 2009 and 2018. Veterinary Record (2023).
- Occupational Health Hazards Among Veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. Cureus (2023).
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