OP5

OP5

OCCUPATIONAL RESPIRATORY ALLERGY TO HORSES IN VETERINARY STUDENTS: THE APPLICABILITY OF THE EQUALITY ACT 2010

A.Colby¹, K. Eraneva², G. Martell¹, J. Szram³, G. Scadding³, J. Feary⁴

¹University of Cambridge, UK

²Royal Veterinary College, London, UK

³Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK

⁴Royal Brompton Hospital/National Heart and Lung Institute (Imperial College) London, UK

Background:

Veterinary students (VS) can experience occupational allergies which impact their training. We have identified a number of VSs with severe allergic symptoms to horses, which are much greater than those observed with other animal allergens, and not previously described.

Methods:

A retrospective review of VSs referred from Occupational Health services to Royal Brompton Hospital Occupational Lung Disease Service (2014-2023).

Results:

A cohort of 10 cases (9 female) were identified from 2 UK veterinary schools (9 referred since 2019).  Median age was 23.5, all had a history of atopy and were sensitised to ≥1 common aeroallergens, 9 had current or previous asthma and none reported previous regular horse exposure. Median serum specific IgE to horse was 13.3 (range:1.0-64.4kU/L).

Cases demonstrated severe allergic symptoms with life-threatening asthma features, some within <30 minutes of bystander exposure, despite antihistamines, high-dose oral or inhaled corticosteroids and respiratory protection.

Individualised specialist management plans were implemented, including workplace adjustments, medications, enhanced respiratory protection and change in training requirements/methods to enable qualification whilst eliminating further live horse exposure.

Implications for Policy/Practice: 

UK veterinary regulatory bodies stipulate equine placements are mandatory competencies in veterinary studies. Higher Education Occupational Practitioners states whilst reasonable adjustments cannot be made to regulatory body competencies, they can be made to teaching methods/assessments relating to attaining mandatory competencies (1).

We propose that disability legislation should apply in cases of VSs with severe horse allergy, and that reasonable adjustments, using individualised specialist management plans, are appropriate to safeguard student health and enable completion of training.

Reference:

1. Higher Education Occupational Practitioners. General guidance on adjustments for students training in regulated professions. [Internet]. 2016 [cited 27th February 2024]. Available from: https://heops.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2019/09/1521730240General_guidance_on_adjustments_for_students_training_in_regulated_professions_v23.pdf