OSHwiki — occupational zoonoses

Zoonoses are infections that are spread from animals to humans. This OSHwiki article gives a general overview of the occurrence and transmission of zoonotic diseases, with particular emphasis on zoonotic diseases in the workplace and why they present safety and health concerns for certain occupations. Common occupational zoonoses are described and a summary is provided on the biological agent responsible for causing disease, methods of transmission, incidence and potential health effects. Occupations and work-based activities that are associated with an increased risk of zoonotic infections are discussed, as well as key preventive measures that can be taken to reduce these risks.