When you have a suspected or confirmed outbreak in your facility, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can reduce the spread of infections to other patients.
- Diseases can be spread by sharing equipment and supplies between areas that house patients with contagious diseases, and those that house healthy animals.
- A mop and bucket should be used just for the sick patient’s area, until they leave the hospital.
- The disinfectant solution should be changed after each cleaning, or sooner if it is visibly soiled.
- In high-risk areas, we recommend a concentration of 1:16, with a 5-minute contact time.
- The disinfectant solution should not be used in sick then healthy areas. To minimize spread of disease, clean and disinfect the areas housing healthy patients before cleaning and disinfecting high-risk areas.
You may also find these resources useful:
- Keep It Clean - Infection Control and Biosecurity in Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Disease in Dogs in Group Settings
- Blog: Infection Prevention for Surgical Patients
- Blog: Don't Let Kennel Cough Take Over Your Practice!
- Blog: How are you Managing Hospital-Associated Infections at your Veterinary Practice?
- Blog: Does Your Practice Contribute to the Spread of Feline Calicivirus?
Video: How to Clean and Disinfect a Cage
Video: How to Clean and Disinfect an Exam Room
Video: Contact Time