With zoonotic diseases, there is no such thing as a “no-risk” pet, or a “no-risk” owner. It is important however to consider the risks in a rational and evidence-based manner. By implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies, the benefits of pet ownership can be enjoyed safely in the vast majority of circumstances. AUSTRALIAN COMPANION ANIMAL ZOONOSES ADVISORY PANEL (ACAZAP) In February 2020, Boehringer Ingelheim brought together an expert panel of veterinary and human infectious disease experts to review and discuss the latest research and make evidence-based recommendations around the control of zoonotic diseases in dogs and cats. The pathogens included in these guidelines were chosen by the panel based on consideration of their significance in the Australian context. In this regard, significance is a broad term encompassing factors such as the probability and/or consequences of infection. In reviewing each pathogen, the panel considered animal factors, environmental factors,
THE AIMS OF THE PANEL WERE TO:
• P rovide recommendations and strategies to minimise the risk of zoonotic disease transfer from dogs and cats in the veterinary clinic and community setting • Facilitate discussion and collaboration between human and veterinary medical professionals to optimise health outcomes, both for pets and people • Promote awareness of zoonotic diseases and strategies to control them to pet owners
and human factors that contribute to zoonotic disease. Inclusion of a pathogen in these guidelines does not imply that companion animals are the sole or even primary source of infection for people. In some cases, the contribution of dogs and cats to the disease burden in humans may be small and overshadowed by other potential routes of transmission. In such instances, an understanding of the minor role companion animals play remains important as it allows veterinarians and pet owners to fully evaluate the risk and implement a proportional management response. Whilst it is not necessary for veterinarians to treat or manage human zoonotic infections, a knowledge of risk factors and the consequences of infection in humans allows for a more considered analysis of risk for themselves, their staff, and their clients. From a medicolegal perspective, veterinarians have a duty of care for their staff and clients and are obligated to provide advice and protective strategies to protect people under their guidance. However, veterinarians must use caution not to exceed the scope of their veterinary registration while fulfilling their public health responsibilities. Information concerning veterinary or public health aspects of zoonoses should be provided to clients as indicated and requested, with all recommendations clearly documented in clinical records. Veterinarians should not diagnose or treat diseases in humans or make recommendations about those issues. On the other side of the zoonoses coin, for human medical professionals, an understanding of the epidemiology of these pathogens in animals, and the associated risk factors in animals, will assist in assessing and managing potential cases, and providing advice to patients about minimising the risk of zoonoses from companion animals. In this regard there is much to be gained by facilitating greater interaction between the medical and veterinary professions to help prevent, diagnose, and treat zoonotic diseases. 4
References: 1. Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and their people. 2019. 2. Smith, B., (2012) The ‘pet effect’: Health related aspects of companion animal ownership. Aust Fam Physician , 41(6), 439. 3. McConnell, A.R., et al (2011) Friends with benefits: on the positive consequences of pet ownership. J Pers Soc Psychol , 101(6), 1239. 4. Steele, S.G., et al (2019) What makes an effective One Health clinical practitioner? Opinions of Australian One Health experts. One Health , 8, 100108.
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Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines 5
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