The perception of veterinary students about the interaction between human and pets and the risk of zoonosis

Abstract

The interaction between humans and animals can benefit and harm. Among the benefits of living with a pet is to improve the quality of life by reducing stress, lowering tensions between family members and increasing compassion in society. On the other hand there is the possibility that some harmful effects such as aggression and transmission of zoonosis to the owners, requiring greater care, especially when it comes to immunocompromised individuals. The veterinarian is the most important professional in this interaction, which may act and influence effectively to its success, depending on your knowledge on the subject and his own experience as a professional. This study aimed to investigate the perception of students of veterinary medicine with respect to the interaction between human and pets and the risk of acquiring zoonosis by owners HIV positive. Data collection was performed by trained individuals using a standard questionnaire, interviewed 218 veterinary students, obtaining demographic, social, interaction with animals and the risk of zoonosis. Data were double entered, measures of quality control analysis and statistically analyzed. The results showed that 77% of respondents raising animals, and the dog is the favorite animal (77%) and 95% classified the interaction between human and pets as of significant importance. In situations of clinical care only 33% say they often talk with the owners on zoonosis and 48.2% said they feel comfortable to be discussed on zoonosis by an HIV positive. Also in relation to clinical care 35% of respondents said they never asked the owner if there are any HIV positive individuals living with the animal, 32% constantly question and 29% at times. Regarding the risk of HIV positive individuals living with zoonosis acquire a pet, 59% rated the risk as significant and 88% would allow this person keep their pet. Was searched, yet, the classification of zoonosis risks according to different species of animals. We conclude that it is necessary to better focus and greater depth of knowledge about the current reality of interactions between people and pets and risk of zoonosis in immunocompromised individuals by professional intermediaries future of this interaction.