Jeff Bender, DVM, MS, ACVPM, University of Minnesota, encourages veterinarians and herd managers to continuously train employees, create awareness of the dangers of needle sticks and encourage a working environment that minimizes risk. Bender referenced the UMASH website, at the University of Minnesota, during a recent webinar. The website contains fact sheets and videos about preventing needle stick injuries in English and Spanish.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 5, 2016.
National surveys have shown that 80 percent of farmers working with livestock have, at some time, injured themselves with syringe needles. A survey in Minnesota showed that 83 percent of veterinarians and 78 percent of veterinary technicians have experienced needle stick injuries. In That survey, 44 percent of veterinarians and 46 percent of veterinary technicians had experienced needle stick injuries over the previous 12 months.
INSIGHTS: Resources like these are effective in helping veterinarians and representatives supplement their approaches to needle and product safety in dairy operations. Additionally, these materials can be featured in websites, blog posts and newsletters.