How to stay safe while working at a Veterinary Clinic

Working at a veterinary clinic can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique risks—one of the most important being zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and as a veterinary professional, you are exposed to a variety of animals, some of which may carry these diseases. However, with the right precautions, you can protect yourself and your coworkers while still doing the important work of caring for animals.
As Julia Caro, a Veterinary Science Student at KLR Medical Certification Training School, puts it, "It is important to learn about zoonotic disease so that you know how to make an effort to prevent the spread of them and how to limit exposure."
Understanding these diseases is crucial in maintaining a safe working environment.
Practical steps to stay safe from zoonotic diseases when working at a veterinary clinic:

Practice Proper Hygiene
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission is through good hygiene practices.
● Handwashing: Always wash your hands after handling animals, animal waste, or anything that might be contaminated, such as bedding or food bowls. Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
● Hand Sanitizer: If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, but remember that it’s a supplement, not a replacement for handwashing.
● Gloves: Wear disposable gloves when handling animals, especially when dealing with bodily fluids like blood, urine, or feces. Change gloves frequently and always dispose of them properly after use.

Wear Protective Gear
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when working in environments that could expose you to infectious agents.
● Gloves: As mentioned, gloves are essential when handling animals or cleaning up after them.
● Masks: Some zoonotic diseases are transmitted through the air (like tuberculosis), so wearing a mask may be necessary, especially when handling animals with respiratory issues or if there’s a risk of aerosol exposure.
● Eye Protection: Protective eyewear is useful when there’s a risk of bodily fluids splashing or if you’re working with chemicals or equipment that could pose a threat to your eyes.
● Lab Coats/Aprons: Wear lab coats or aprons to minimize contact with contaminated surfaces or fluids. Make sure to change and clean your lab coat regularly.

Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect you and your pets from zoonotic diseases. While some diseases may not have vaccines, others like rabies, leptospirosis, and tetanus can be prevented with vaccines.

● Rabies: If you are working with animals that may carry rabies (especially in cases of bite wounds or sick animals), ensure you have received a rabies vaccination. Cats and dogs should be vaccinated regardless. Symptoms include flu-like illness, neurologic abnormalities, behavioral changes, and spasms.
● Tetanus: Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and can be transmitted through wounds and contact with contaminated objects. Make sure you’re up-to-date on your tetanus vaccine especially if bitten or scratched. Tetanus is not common in pets but they can contract the disease. Symptoms include muscle spasms and rigidity, headache, fever, and seizures.
● Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through urine
contaminated water and soil. There is a vaccine available for dogs but not humans. Symptoms include fever, headache, GI upset, jaundice, and in severe cases liver failure, meningitis, or kidney damage.
Be Aware of Other Common Zoonotic Diseases
Knowing which zoonotic diseases are most common and how they are transmitted is key to staying safe.
● Ringworm: A fungal infection that can be passed through direct contact with infected animals.
● Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can be contracted through contact with infected cat feces.
● Campylobacter, Salmonella and E. coli: Bacterial infections transmitted through contact with contaminated food or animal feces. Avoid feeding your pets raw diets.
● Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Both diseases are transmitted through tick bites.
● Giardia: A small parasite that can easily spread from one person to another through water, food, surfaces or objects.
As Elizabeth Hoagland, a Veterinary Science student at KLR Medical Certification Training School, explains, "It allows us to have an understanding of what diseases we can get so we don't blow symptoms off that could be something zoonotic. It also teaches us how to avoid contracting them." This understanding is key to ensuring safety and preventing the spread of these diseases.
Avoid Direct Contact with Animal Waste
Animal waste, including urine, feces, saliva, and vomit, is a primary source of zoonotic disease transmission. Always avoid direct contact with waste materials and clean up carefully when necessary.
● Use Gloves: Always wear gloves when cleaning cages or handling any waste.
● Clean Thoroughly: Clean any surfaces that have come into contact with animal waste immediately using disinfectant.
● Proper Disposal: Dispose of waste properly in sealed bags or containers to prevent the spread of disease.
Handle Sick Animals with Extra Caution
Sick animals are more likely to be carrying contagious diseases. While it’s important to provide the care they need, always approach sick animals with caution.
● Isolation: When possible, isolate sick animals to prevent the spread of infections to healthy animals or staff members.
● Follow Protocols: Each clinic will have its own protocols for handling contagious animals—make sure you’re familiar with these procedures and follow them strictly.
● Protective Measures: Consider wearing additional PPE (like a mask, gloves, or gown) when handling sick animals.

Maintain a Clean Environment
A clean clinic is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. Regularly cleaning surfaces, equipment, and tools can help minimize the risk.
● Sanitize Equipment: Sterilize equipment such as surgical tools, stethoscopes, and thermometers after each use.
● Disinfect High-Touch Areas: Wipe down high-touch areas like countertops, door handles, and phones regularly with an effective disinfectant.
Educate Yourself and Others
Education is crucial in staying safe from zoonotic diseases. Regular training sessions for all staff members should cover infection control, handling sick animals, and preventing disease transmission. Stay informed about the latest updates on zoonotic diseases to ensure your safety is always a top priority.
Final Thoughts
Working in a veterinary clinic can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s important to take proper precautions to stay safe from zoonotic diseases. By practicing good hygiene, wearing protective gear, getting vaccinated, and staying informed, you can minimize the risk of exposure and continue to provide excellent care to both animals and their owners. Stay safe and remember that your health is just as important as the animals you care for!
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