Health Risks to Veterinarians and Associated Personnel

Handling Pharmaceuticals and Biologicals

Authors

  • Kelley J. Donham Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
  • David Rendell David Rendell & Associates, Affiliated with National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health, Deakin University & Rural Industries Skills Training, Victoria, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094245

Keywords:

drug exposure, antibiotics, growth enhancers, immunization products, needle sticks, training, safe products, inoculation procedures, risks to women

Abstract

Veterinarians, livestock producers, and workers are at risk of illness from exposure to drugs intended for animal health or growth by inhalation, skin contact, and accidental needle sticks. Exposures to antibiotics, growth enhancers, immunization products, and needle sticks are all potential hazards to those handling these products. Special risks apply to women who handle oxytocin, prostaglandins, and live immunization products. These hazards can be unitized by training personnel, choosing safe products, instituting safe inoculation procedures, and utilizing safe sharps handling procedures.

Author Biography

Kelley J. Donham, Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242

Professor and Director

Cover image of the 42nd Conference Proceedings: Cattle grazing in a spring field along the horizon. In the foreground, one brown cow with a triangle marking and ear tags is posing. Yellow background.

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Published

2009-09-10

Issue

2009

Section

General Sessions