Standard and additional biosecurity precautions for veterinary practice

Authors: Hedlefs R
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Cattle / Sheep, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: There are both legal and ethical reasons for the application of best practice to the issues of workplace safety and infection control. In terms of workplace safety the legislation makes no distinction between an incident caused by a physical event or illness, incapacitation or death caused by infectious agents. This paper presents the legal responsibilities in Australia with respect to the obligation of veterinarians, practice principles and others to ensure human risk of injury or disease is managed. The associated management of risks of infection or injury to the animals a veterinarian encounters as part of the veterinary practice is considered to be an ethical responsibility of the professional veterinarian.

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