Equine veterinarians have higher rates of injury than other occupations, including those in construction, the prison service, and firefighters. Further, an Australian study data reported that while there have been significant decreases in injury and death in workplaces traditionally viewed as dangerous, such as mining and construction over the past several decades, there has been no change in the rate of injury or death for humans interacting with horses. There are zoonotic risk factors to consider, too.
Source: Veterinary Practice News, September 29, 2016.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have created an online resource called “Healthy Pets Healthy People.” The pages provide information regarding the spread of disease from horses, which in the U.S. are predominantly considered companion animals, to humans. The list of diseases shared between horses and humans is relatively small.
INSIGHTS: Equine veterinary teams should consider updating their safety training. Representatives will find risk factors on the shared disease list that can be reduced by vaccination and regular treatment regimes.