Zoonosis Education among Veterinary Technicians at Professional Schools

Abstract

In July 2001 we conducted a questionnaire survey of 1, 057 veterinary technicians who had attended seminars on zoonosis. The questionnaire included questions on school attendance and the zoonosis courses. Seventyfi ve percent of the respondents had graduated from professional schools for veterinary technicians and specialists in pet grooming or animal care. Among them 83% had taken courses on zoonosis, and more than 77% acknowledged the usefulness of such education. More than 50% acquired knowledge of parasites from the course, indicating the potential substantial role of professional schools in extending knowledge on zoonosis. Veterinary associations and veterinarians should therefore promote zoonosis education for students and veterinary technicians by working with government agencies, medical associations, and profe sional schools.