The occupational health hazards of altrenogest

The veterinary pharmaceutical industry has become an expanding, lucrative market that employs over 1 billion people globally. The surge in livestock production and increase in companion animal ownership contribute to the continuous growth and demand for veterinary medicine. While regular administration of drugs to animals has benefits and has become increasingly common, there is a need of better consideration for animal workers and handlers that are administering the drugs. Altrenogest is an endocrine disrupting chemical that is heavily utilized in breeding management, as it is extremely effective at synchronizing and suppressing estrus in swine and equine. While efficient at modifying female animals’ reproductive cycles, the FDA has received 130 reports of adverse health effects in humans that have accidently been exposed to altrenogest, resulting in a health hazard warning posted in 2018. However, the FDA notes that the 130 documented cases are likely underreported, due to the variability and diversity of adverse symptoms. Despite the hazard warning, there is little information available regarding the different factors that increase a person’s likelihood of altrenogest exposure. The goals of this study were to identify veterinary recommendations for altrenogest handling safety and to identify factors that contribute to accidental altrenogest occupational exposure in swine and equine facilities. Using a qualitative method of inquiry, data was collected from large animal theriogenology veterinarians through semi-structured interviews and through analysis of an FDA FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for altrenogest exposure reports. The suggest that the following factors contribute to accidental exposure: improper personal protective equipment, drug misuse, and safety communication breakdown. With numerous exposure pathways, there are at least one (if not more) factors that contribute to accidental human exposures.. Understanding factors that can increase an animal worker or handlers’ risk of altrenogest exposure has the potential to improve efforts of increasing drug administration safety training and protocols that serve to better protect animal workers.