Disposal of small animal biological waste by general practice clinicians
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14409/favecv.2023.22.e0021Keywords:
veterinary medicine, small animal clinic, biological waste managementAbstract
Inappropriate waste management from veterinary clinics constitutes a latent problem for public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the disposal of biological material from small animals clinics runned by mixed practice veterinarians in the Province of Santa Fe. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 131 Veterinarians accredited as health co-responsibles for large animals by the Veterinary Boards of the Province of Santa Fe 1st and 2nd Districts that also worked as small animal clinicians. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that was answered anonymously. The variables studied included biological waste management, age, gender and geographical location of professional practice. Statistical analysis included χ2 and Student's t test. Most veterinarians bagged clinical residues together with waste coming from other sources and discarded it together with communal garbage. Two out of 10 respondents had accredited transport available for the collection of pathological waste and only 15.5% were registered as generators or operators of such waste. Quick training actions for students and professionals are suggested for the correct management of clinical waste.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Pablo Andrés Tarabla, Agostina Giacobino, Ana Inés Molineri, Marcelo Lisandro Signorini , Héctor Dante Tarabla
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