Companion animal veterinary personnel have occupational risk for tularemia and One Health role for tularemia prevention in Kansas.

Abstract

Objective: To learn the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinarians and technicians in Kansas regarding the occupational risk of tularemia, personal protection, patient diagnosis and management, zoonotic risk communication, and public health reporting.

Methods: Kansas veterinarians and technicians serving cats and dogs completed an online survey between June and September 2024.

Results: The survey was completed by 109 veterinarians and 19 technicians. Forty-three percent (47 of 109) of veterinarians reported diagnosing tularemia in cats and 13% (14 of 109) in dogs. Seven percent (8 of 109) of veterinarians reported having had tularemia. When performing procedures with a high risk of exposure, such as lancing abscesses in tularemia suspects, glove use was 100% but additional personal protective equipment was inconsistent, including eye protection (81 of 116 [70%]) and surgical face mask (69 of 116 [59%]). Antibody titer and PCR were common diagnostics, but 42% (26 of 62) of veterinarians reported never submitting a confirmatory test, with owner finances being the primary hurdle. Veterinarians and technicians have inconsistent knowledge about reporting regulations, but 91% (58 of 64) discuss tularemia's public health risk with pet owners.

Conclusions: Veterinarians are not only diagnosing tularemia in their patients but also contracting the disease themselves. Education should be targeted toward diagnostics, protection, and reporting.

Clinical relevance: Veterinary personnel play an essential One Health role in the prevention and control of tularemia in Kansas through environmental tick and wildlife management, diagnosis and treatment of sick pets, and education about transmission and protection precautions for people. Designating tularemia as reportable in animals would allow determination of disease trends and more rapid public health follow-up.