Zoonoses are infections naturally transmissible between vertebrate animal hosts and humans. Transmission may occur in a number of settings, ranging from indirect contact through food or drinking water to direct exposure on farms, during leisure pursuits or from pets. Many zoonotic infections may be contracted in the occupational environment, although the true incidence of occupationally acquired zoonoses in the UK is unknown for most infections.

Regulations applicable in the occupational setting

1. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSSH) 2002.
Micro-organisms which are hazardous to human health are included as substances hazardous to health in these regulations. As potentially zoonotic pathogens may be present wherever there are animals, an assessment of the hazard and its associated risk must be undertaken in such situations, and appropriate controls put in place. Detailed advice on this process is available from the HSE.

2. Reporting of Injuries diseases and dangerous occurrences (RIDDOR) 1985 www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/riddor.htm
Reporting accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement, and included under the legislation are occupationally-acquired zoonoses.
Further information on zoonoses reportable to RIDDOR

Important zoonotic diseases that may be occupationally acquired

• Anthrax
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacter
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Influenza
• Leptospirosis
• Listeriosis
• Lyme disease
• Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB)
• Ovine chlamydiosis
• Pasteurellosis
• Psittacosis
• Q fever
• Rabies
• Salmonellosis
• Streptococcal infections (Strep suis, Strep zooepidemicus)
• E. coli O157 

Occupational settings

A wide variety of occupations and premises exist where contact with animals or their products may occur. (Please note that the following lists are illustrative, not exhaustive).

Professions

• Abattoir workers
• Bat workers
• Dog handlers/dog wardens
• Farmers and farm workers (working farms and open farms)
• Fish farmers and wild-catch fishers
• Forestry workers
• Horse handlers/grooms
• Meat inspectors
• Poultry farmers and workers
• Shepherds
• Sewage workers
• Veterinarians and other veterinary staff
• Wildlife workers
• Wildlife photographers 
• Workers in hides, wool or bonemeal

Premises

• Abattoirs and cutting premises
• Aquaria and fish farms
• Aviaries and wildfowl sanctuaries
• Animal sanctuaries, kennels and catteries
• Farms - dairy, fish, livestock, poultry etc.
• Leisure and watersports facilties
• Open farms and other similar premises open to the public
• Pet shops and similar retail outlets
• Research and diagnostic laboratories
• Quarantine premises
• Zoos and wildlife parks

Possible routes of transmission

• Direct contact (i.e. handling animals)
• Aerosol - inhalation
• Oral - ingestion
• Fomites (contaminated inanimate objects)
• Environmental contamination
• Vector-borne