Cutaneous infection in meatworkers

Cutaneous infections occurring in abattoir workers are an under-recognized cause of occupational morbidity. This study examined the incident rates of cutaneous infection in a medium sized metropolitan abattoir in Adelaide, South Australia. The results show that cutaneous infections are common (0.65 per 1000 working days) and that there exists an association between the nature of the work task within the abattoir and infection rates. Specifically, those individuals handling animal hides have higher rates of infection compared to other workers. The implications of these findings are discussed with particular emphasis on the prevention of these infections.