Respiratory allergies among veterinarians: two cross-sectional surveys from 2006 to 2012.

Purpose: Animal-related allergy is known to be an occupational hazard among veterinarians; however, there is a lack of data showing to which extent these are affected. We aimed at describing the prevalence of respiratory allergies in this population.

Methods: In two repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2006 and 2012 in Bavaria, we examined the prevalence of wheezing, asthma and allergic rhinitis by questionnaires.