ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
ANIMAL SELECTION AND CARE • Animals involved in visitation programs should undergo regular veterinary examination (at least every 12 months). Veterinary examination should specifically include an assessment of the probability of carriage and transmission of zoonotic diseases and the capacity for mitigation of risk in these animals. • Dogs and cats should be at least 12 months of age to minimise the risk of carrying zoonotic pathogens more frequently associated with young animals (e.g. Toxocara, Giardia , Salmonella , Campylobacter ). • Visiting animals should have the appropriate temperament and training to interact in a safe and calm manner. Dogs should be assessed and accredited through professional organisations such as Delta Therapy Dogs. • Pregnant, nursing, or immunocompromised animals and animals in oestrus should not take part in visitation programs. • Animals with illness or injury must be assessed by a veterinarian for their suitability to participate in visitation programs. • Animals with a known or suspected communicable disease should not take part in programs until cleared by a veterinarian. Similarly, animals with vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary incontinence, or skin lesions should be appropriately investigated and cleared prior to taking part in a program. Such clearance should specifically consider the risk of zoonotic diseases. • Dogs and cats should receive monthly deworming and year-
round ectoparasite control (effective against fleas and mites), and be appropriately vaccinated. • Faecal parasite testing should be performed at least once a year. Other routine screening for potentially zoonotic pathogens IS NOT recommended. • Animals should not be fed raw foods of animal origin (including raw meat, unpasteurised milk etc.) to minimise the risk of carrying zoonotic pathogens. • Animals should be bathed/groomed before and after visitation. Nails should be kept short. DURING VISITATION • Hand hygiene is essential. All persons having contact with animals should wash their hands before and after handling animals. • Animals should be prevented from licking people’s faces and open wounds. All open wounds should be covered during visits. • If animals are placed on bedding, a disposable, impermeable barrier should be used. • All areas visited should be appropriately cleaned and disinfected in accordance with local infection control and disinfection guidelines. • Appropriate records of the visit should be kept to enable contact tracing if required. • Visitation should generally not take place in intensive or neonatal care facilities or food/medication preparation areas.
NON-TRADITIONAL PETS IN THE CHILDCARE SETTING
Although the focus of these guidelines is zoonotic diseases that may be transmitted from dogs and cats, a brief discussion of exotic, or non-traditional pets, in the childcare setting warrants specific comment due to the increased risk of disease associated with exposure to such animals in children less than 5 years of age. Due to their increased risk for zoonotic disease transmission, the following animals are not recommended for childcare visitation programs: - Reptiles and amphibians (salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis). - Poultry, including hatchlings and associated hatchery equipment (salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis). - Preweaned calves (cryptosporidiosis).
CONTENTS
Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines 94
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