Veterinary teams: how can animal-contact risks be reduced?

After a bite to the face, neck or genitals, a torn wound or one reaching bone, heavy or persistent bleeding, or loss of feeling or movement in the injured limb, call 15 or 112 without delay in France. For a snake bite, call emergency services as soon as possible.

After a dog or cat bite, seek medical care immediately if it affects a hand or foot or is near a joint, the wound appears deep or contains foreign material that cannot be removed, the bite is from a cat, the person has diabetes or is immunocompromised, tetanus vaccination is out of date or unknown, or the stray or domestic animal’s rabies vaccination status is unknown.

For any bite or scratch, promptly wash the wound with plenty of water and soap, remove foreign material if possible, rinse, dry, then apply an antiseptic and a sterile dressing, without delaying emergency help or urgent care. If it bleeds, compress it with a clean cloth and raise the limb if possible; heavy or persistent bleeding requires emergency help. After chlorhexidine, hives, angioedema-type swelling, sudden breathing difficulty, a metallic taste, weakness with fainting or signs of shock require calling 15 in France. Report any known allergy to this product to avoid re-exposure. Seek medical care for pain, redness, swelling, pus or fever after the injury; obtain medical advice whenever in doubt.

In veterinary settings, contact with animals can expose staff to injuries and infections transmissible to humans. The team should be trained in approach and restraint adapted to the animal.

To limit infection transmission, organisation can include isolating sick animals and separating clean from contaminated areas.

Wash hands with drinking water and soap after contact with animals, their waste or droppings, and after removing protective equipment. Clarify protocols with occupational health.