People who work with animals or animal tissue that can carry zoonotic diseases are required to be screened in person by Occupational Health. At Vanderbilt these animals are primarily macaque monkeys (simian herpes B virus), sheep (Q-fever), and various species at risk for rabies (dog, bat, raccoon). During these annual physicals, we evaluate the individual health risks that can make someone more susceptible to these diseases, we counsel the individual about ways to further reduce their risk, and we review the importance of reporting potential exposures.
For more information on the Animal Care Occupational Health and Safety Program, contact us at 936-0955.