Sanitary Surveillance of veterinary facilities: an area in need of sanitary laws

Abstract

Introduction:  Veterinary facilities are those places were medical-veterinary procedures are performed. They are subject to sanitary surveillance actions. Objective:To discuss the lack of sanitary laws applicable to veterinary facilities, seeking to reflect upon the  importance of such laws in the context of a Unified Health perspective. Method: This is a documental analysis study, whereby a set of documents has been selected and analyzed, particularly those arising from the Unified Health System and the National System of Sanitary Surveillance. Results:The activities carried out at veterinary facilities involve risks to the human health, animal health and environmental health. A legal framework, particularly at a federal level, is required to support the sanitary surveillance actions carried out at said facilities, which are not even regarded as health care centers according to the Ministry of Health. Conclusions: One can easily notice the lack and the need of a nationwide regulatory framework that understands and regards veterinary facilities as health care centers and that regulates and combines the sanitary surveillance actions performed thereat. Additionally, we understand that the mentioned said rules should be prepared under the Unified Health perspective, aiming at encompassing human health, environmental health and the animal health.