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In the United States, there are environmental and occupational health hazards in zoological parks. The risks associated with working with and caring for the animals, include visitor employee safety. There are numerous safeguards in place to prevent injury, disease, and death. ==Employee safety== Zookeeper or zoo workers are labeled dangerous job positions. Limited regulations regarding the safety of zoo workers exist. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency responsible for setting and monitoring workplace health and safety regulations. OSHA does not designate a specific section of standards and regulations for zoo workers. Requirements for zoos fall under OSHA's general regulations for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.〔("Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970" ), "Occupational Safety and Health Administration" January 1, 2004〕 The Association for Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a private nonprofit organization offering accreditation to institutions that apply and meet their very high standards. While the majority of standards focus on the health and safety of animals, standards pertaining to worker safety are included.〔("Guidelines for zoo and aquarium veterinary medical programs and veterinary hospitals" ), "American Association of Zoo Veterinarians," 1998〕 The zoo itself and their governing authority are ultimately responsible for creating their own safety policies and procedures. The policies must fall within broad federal regulations. Zoos employ safety officers responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating safety and training policies.〔("Occupational Health and Safety Programs: In Animal Care and Management at the National Zoo: Final Report (chapter 6)" ), "National Research Council," 2005〕 Zoo keepers are in charge of cleaning, feeding, and care of animals. These activities present a level of risk. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in these tasks. Examples of PPE used by zoo workers are masks, gloves, boots, goggles, and communication devices. Techniques and specialized equipment also contribute to zoo worker safety. Modified sliding doors and guillotine doors aid in feeding large or dangerous animals. Shifting, a technique commonly used for feeding and cleaning the enclosure, requires directing the animal to a securable section of their habitat.〔("Zoo Visitors Frequently Asked Questions: Do You Go into the Exhibit with the Leopards, Lions, Tigers, Bears?" ), "Biodeath," October 19, 2009〕 This technique protects the worker as well as prevents disruption of the cleaning process. When needing to transport or care for animals, basic capture and restraint equipment varies by animal. Equipment commonly used includes gloves, nets, blow darts, projectile guns/darts, and crates or cages.〔 There are other health risks for respiratory- related illness and disease such as asthma and allergies. Also, for those who work with certain species, there is risk of toxicity due to venomous exposure. Much of the research on these topics is extrapolated from studies on laboratory workers, however there are a few specific studies for zoo employees. Most studies have been in the form of voluntarily questionnaires. Using tools including the skin prick test,a skin allergy test, zoo employees were identified to have allergies or not.〔Krakowiak, A, Palczyñski, C, Walusiak, J, Wittezak, T, Ruta, U, Dudek, W, & Szule, B,("Allergy to Animal Fur and Feathers among Zoo Workers" ) 2009〕 In these studies, the researchers took into account confounding variables such as pet presence at home. They also accounted for duration of work with animals. This study determined significant allergic reaction for employees who work with parrots.〔Swiderska-Kielbik, S, Krakowiak, A, Wiszniewska, Dudek, W, Kowalczyk, M, Walusiak-Skorupa, J, Sliwkiewicz, K, & Palcynski, C,("Work-Related Respiratory Symptoms in Bird Zoo Keepers – Questionnaire Data" ) 2009〕 Another potential hazard for zoo employees is for those who work with poisonous animals.〔Vohra, R., Clark, R., & Shah, N, ("A Pilot Study of Occupational Envenomations in North American Zoos and Aquaria" ) 2008〕 These animals have bites or stings that expose the victim to a toxin. Many of the reptiles in zoos are exotic and poison control centers may not keep the appropriate anti-venom in stock. If anti-venom is unavailable, emergency hospitalization or a fasciotomy may need to be performed. Other common injuries include needlestick injuries, radiation exposure from x-rays and animal related injuries such as bites and kicks. Also, there is a risk for chemical exposure due to anesthetic agents, formaldehyde, pesticides, and disinfectants.〔Hill, D, Langley, R,& Morrow, M,("Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Reported by Zoo Veterinarians in the United States" ) December 2008 〕 Many of these hazards can be minimized using personal protective equipment. Education on proper animal care procedures is essential, including proper handling of chemical and sharps waste. Zoonotic diseases, otherwise known as zoonosis, are diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans and vice versa.〔National Centre for Zoonosis Research hosted by the University of Liverpool, ("About zoonosis" ) 2012〕 They can be spread through the air, through common animal vectors (such as animals), or through direct contact. Within zoos, the most susceptible group for contracting a zoonotic disease is zoo workers such as veterinarians and zookeepers who have direct contact with the animals. The most commonly known zoonotic diseases are: * West Nile * Avian influenza * Salmonella * Escherichia coli Other, less known diseases that can be spread between humans and animals are: * Tuberculosis * Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) most often found as retroviruses in animals. The design and structure of each exhibit limits the exposure of zoonotic diseases to guests and workers by limiting exposure and direct contact to the animals. Using personal protective equipment properly, examining animals on a regular basis and reporting new illnesses and outbreaks to proper authorities (e.g. State Health Department), as well as providing extensive education and training on how to properly handle and care for animals are all important components of limiting zoonotic disease transmission.〔National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, INC, ("Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011" ) "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," May 6, 2011〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「United States environmental and occupational health in zoos」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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