Animal abuse and family violence: survey on the recognition of animal abuse by veterinarians in New Zealand and their understanding of the correlation between animal abuse and human violence.

AIMS: To establish the incidence, frequency and type of deliberate animal abuse seen in veterinary practice in New Zealand, and ascertain veterinarians' knowledge of human abuse within the families where animal abuse was occurring. To explore attitudes of veterinarians to and knowledge about the correlation between animal abuse and human violence, and their perceived role in dealing with such issues. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to practising veterinarians in New Zealand. It covered demographics, frequency and type of animal abuse cases seen, awareness of violence towards humans, within families where animal abuse was seen, the methods used for managing animal and human abuse, the incidence of psychological abuse of animals, and the attitudes of veterinarians towards and their beliefs about the link between animal abuse and human violence. RESULTS: A total of 383/1,412 (27% response rate) questionnaires with useable data were returned. Within the group of respondents, the sexes were evenly represented; 40% of respondents worked in small-animal practice, 50% in mixed practice and 10% in large-animal practice. Deliberate animal abuse had been seen by 63% of respondents in the last 5 years; 37% of these had seen such cases once a year or less, while 9% had seen abuse cases at least four times a year. Dogs were the species most commonly reported as abused, followed, in numerical order, by cats, cattle and horses. Among respondents who had seen deliberate animal abuse, 16% either knew of (4%) or suspected (12%) human abuse within the families of the abused animals. A clear majority of responding veterinarians agreed with the statement that people who abuse their animals are more likely to abuse their children (77%) or spouse (70%). CONCLUSIONS: The survey indicated that the majority of respondents had seen cases of animal abuse within the previous 5 years, and dogs were the species most often reported abused. Responding veterinarians felt a strong ethical duty to deal with cases of animal abuse, but they were less comfortable about issues of human abuse, even though the awareness of the link between abuse of animals and abuse of humans was relatively high. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The greater the awareness of animal abuse and its linkage with human abuse, the greater the possibility that veterinarians can contribute in a meaningful way to the reduction of violence in society.

A recurring salmonellosis epidemic in New Zealand linked to contact with sheep.

One strain of Salmonella Brandenburg began causing large numbers of human infections in New Zealand in 1998. We investigated the emergence of this strain using combined notification and laboratory data on human and animal disease and a case-control study. S. Brandenburg infection in humans was characterized by spring peaks and high rates in the southern half of the South Island. This epidemic pattern followed very closely that seen in sheep. The case-control study found that infection was significantly associated with occupational contact with sheep and having a household member who had occupational contact with sheep, during the 3 days prior to illness or interview. We conclude that S. Brandenburg has become established as a zoonotic disease in New Zealand. Preventing infection requires control of the epidemic in sheep through vaccination, changes in farm management practices, and promotion of hand washing and other precautions to protect farmers and their families.