Page 1476 - Small Animal Internal Medicine, 6th Edition

1448 PART XIV Infectious Diseases

CHAPTER 93
VetBooks.ir

Prevention of

Infectious Diseases

Preventing infections is always preferred over treating infec- of dogs and cats are not vaccinated. For example, in a recent
tions. Avoiding exposure is the most effective way to prevent study in Great Britain, only 77.9% of dogs, cats, and rabbits
infections. Most infectious agents of dogs and cats are trans- seen at veterinary clinics were vaccinated (Sanchez-Vizcaino,
mitted in fecal material, respiratory secretions, reproductive 2018). The veterinary industry needs to continue to strive
tract secretions, or urine; by bites or scratches; or by contact to increase vaccine compliance, particularly for rabies. In
with vectors or reservoirs. Some infectious agents such as addition, vaccines are not uniformly effective, are not avail-
feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), Bordetella bronchiseptica, and able for all pathogens, and sometimes induce serious adverse
influenza viruses can be transmitted by direct contact with effects. Therefore the development of sound biosecurity pro-
clinically normal, infected animals. Many infectious agents cedures is also paramount to avoid exposure to infectious
are environmentally resistant and can be transmitted by agents when developing a preventive medicine program.
contact with a contaminated environment (fomites). The
avoidance of zoonotic transfer of infectious agents is
extremely important because some zoonotic diseases, such BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES FOR SMALL
as plague and rabies, are life-threatening (see Chapter 99). ANIMAL HOSPITALS
Recognition of risk factors associated with infectious agents
is the initial step in the prevention of infectious diseases. Most hospital-borne infections (nosocomial) can be pre-
Veterinarians should strive to understand the biology of each vented by following simple biosecurity guidelines (Box
infectious agent so that they can counsel clients and staff on 93.1). The following general guidelines to consider were
the best strategies for prevention. adapted from those used at the Veterinary Medical Center
There are many parasitic diseases that are of importance at Colorado State University (http://csuvets.colostate.edu/
to pets as well as their owners due to risk of zoonotic transfer, biosecurity). A number of excellent reviews are also avail-
like ascarids and hookworms. There are also multiple vector- able (Stull et al., 2015; Stull and Weese, 2015).
borne diseases of importance in dogs and cats, with those
associated with fleas or ticks being most common in most GENERAL BIOSECURITY GUIDELINES
countries. Thus one of the most important parts of any infec- Contaminated hands are the most common source of infec-
tious disease prevention program is to provide parasite tious agent transmission in the hospital environment. Fin-
control. As discussed in Chapter 99, routine deworming and gernails of personnel having patient contact should be cut
vector control are indicated for both indoor and outdoor short. Hands should be washed before and after attending to
pets. Use of the Companion Animal Parasite Council guide- each individual animal as follows. Collect clean paper towels
lines is an easy and effective way to help avoid internal and and use to turn on water faucets; wash hands for 30 seconds
external parasitic diseases (www.capcvet.org). with antiseptic soap, being sure to clean under fingernails;
Vaccines available for some infectious agents can either rinse hands thoroughly; use the paper towel to dry hands;
prevent infection (canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and use the paper towel to turn off the water faucets. Use of
feline panleukopenia) or lessen clinical illness (respiratory antiseptic lotion should be encouraged. Personnel should
agents) when infection occurs. Use of vaccine guidelines not touch patients, clients, food, doorknobs, drawer or
from the American Association of Feline Practitioners cabinet handles or contents, equipment, or medical records
(AAFP; www.catvets.com), the American Animal Hospital with soiled hands or gloves.
Association (www.aahanet.org), and the World Small Animal All employees should wear an outer garment such as a
Veterinary Association (www.wsava.org) can help practicing smock or scrub suit when attending to patients. Footwear
veterinarians made logical vaccination protocols for individ- should be protective, clean, and cleanable. A minimum of
ual pets. However, in most countries a significant proportion two sets of outer garments should always be available, and

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