A survey on the occupational exposure of veterinarians to brucellosis in Algeria

Nedjma LOUNES; Djamila YAHIAOUI; Dihya TAFTAF; Safia ZENIA

A survey on the occupational exposure of veterinarians to brucellosis in Algeria

2023

Nedjma LOUNES | Djamila YAHIAOUI | Dihya TAFTAF | Safia ZENIA

In order to evaluate the infection of veterinarians by brucellosis in Algeria and to study the associated epidemiological factors, we created a survey consisting of 21 questions that was distributed in paper and digital versions. We collected responses of 100 veterinarians. The survey revealed that 15% of the veterinarians got infected with brucellosis during their practice. Almost half (47%) contracted the disease through direct contact with diseased animals and/or their products, mostly during intervention for retained placenta (75%); 20% became infected during vaccination campaigns against brucellosis, due to unprotected hands, where13% were infected through consumption of raw milk. Factors such as the frequency of encountering brucellosis farms, negligence in wearing protective equipment, lack of training in handling the vaccine, as well as lack of work hygiene were reported by these professionals.

Показать больше [+]