Original scientific paper

Assessing occupational hazards among Indian wildlife health professionals.

Parag Nigam ; Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, DehraDun, Uttarakhand, India
Anupam Srivastav ; Captive Breeding and Zoo Management Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, DehraDun, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

A study to assess the levels of various threats and awareness among wildlife health professionals was carried out using a self administered questionnaire that focused on personal health details, the extent of exposure to various hazards, safety measures practiced and awareness level. Fifty four (46.9%) veterinarians responded to the questionnaire. The study suggests that animal related injuries (bites, wounds, scratches, fractures) were the major hazard (41%). Other health related problems and illness among professionals were backache (29.6%), hypertension (21.2%), lumbar spondylitis and anxiety (15.6% each), allergies/wheezing (11%), diabetes (10.5%), cervical spondylitis (9.4%), enteric disorders (8.9%), hypotension (5.9%), hypercholesterolemia (4.5%) and dermatitis (2.3%). Though 69% of the respondents handled hazardous chemicals during wildlife practice, none reported any mishap. Response to the presence of zoonotic diseases revealed a low level (3.7%) among the wildlife health professionals. The study revealed that despite near optimal awareness of various hazards, preventive measures are minimally practiced. It may be concluded that wildlife health professionals are exposed to a variety of hazardous situations during wildlife practice and need to remain diligent to ensure their own continued good health and that of the staff working under their supervision.

Keywords

occupational hazards; questionnaire survey; veterinarians; preventive measures; India

Hrčak ID:

74660

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/74660

Publication date:

5.12.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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