Principles of non-foodbourne zoonosis control (Companion Animals) Flashcards
What is a reservoir host?
One within which the organism can spread indefinitely.
What is a colonised host?
A host where no clinical signs occur but where the organism can multiply.
What is the key factor that dictates whether a zoonotic infection will establish?
Host susceptibility
What are the clinically relevant multi-drug resistant pathogens in human medicine?
How is this relevant to companion animals?
ESKAPE pathogens: Enterrococcus faecium Staphylococcus aureus Klebsiela pneumonia Acinetobacter baumannii (and other spp.) Pseudomonas aeruginosa Enterobacter spp.
All have been found in pets!
Where does the majority of companion animal MRSA infection come from?
As spill over reverse zoonotic infection for human hospital-acquired MRSA
What infection (other than MRSA) is very important zoonotically in dogs?
MRSP - this is highly drug resistant and is a veterinary nocosomial pathogen
What are the main problems with contracting MRSA?
- Extended length of hospital stay
- Treatment options are limited
- 1&2=costly!
n.b. that increased mortality of MRSA over SAU has not been conclusively proven
Why is the risk of infection of MRSA from animals to owners high?
MRSA is a human adapted pathogen so is likely to infect an owner
In what respect do the following spp. pose a zoonotic risk?
a) small furries
b) snakes and lizards
c) birds
a) handled lots by children
b) cleaning tanks (e.g. salmonella, fish tank granuloma (M. marinum)
c) wide spread and transfer through faeces
If a zoonosis is suspected, what should be done?
- Need to confirm -> Lab Tests
2. Inform the owners and advise to seek medical advice!
What groups are particularly at risk to zoonoses?
Practice staff
Owners/carers
Lab staff
High risk: Compromised immune system Close contact Young/Elderly Specific factors e.g. wounds, bites etc.
What is the most important thing to do to prevent disease spread?
Hand washing!
What are good control measurements to implement when a zoonotic infection is known in a patient?
See at the end of the day and ask to wait outside
Disinfect (& clean!!) before the next patient
Implement isolation & barrier nursing protocols
Move them around the surgery in a basket/on a trolley
Are lice zoonotic infection risks?
No as they are highly adapted to their host species.
