Zoonoses d'origine professionnelle

Zoonoses are infections transmitted to the humans by wild or domestic animals. They are characterized by their diversity, their constant evolution and their geographical or time variability. New emergent and older re-emergent diseases need therefore to be surveyed. Occupational exposition to animals constitutes frequently a source of contamination. A good knowledge of the ways of transmission of the diseases -from the source to the host- is useful for proper protection. Many means can be used to protect workers: reduction of the risk at the source when possible (veterinary prophylaxis and sanitary measures), strict respect of hygiene measures (at the individual level and in the workplace), wearing of individual protection equipments. Such devices must be adapted to the way of penetration of responsible micro-organisms. Information about the risk is also important for workers' protection. Some occupational zoonoses and main protection measures are presented in this article.