CHAPTER 7 ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP AND EMERGING RESISTANT BACTERIAL INFECTIONS 147
RISK REDUCTION FOR ZOONOSIS/REVERSE ZOONOSIS
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 seconds (avoid bar
soap).
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (62% alcohol).
Use gloves when handling suspect patients.
Avoid reusing contaminated clothing (lab coats, neckties, scrubs, etc.).
Do not allow pets to share food or use the same dishes.
Do not allow a pet to lick your face or open wounds.
Immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions.
Sterilize surgical equipment.
Sanitize all cages and equipment routinely (e.g., stethoscope).
Launder bedding at 60◦C (140◦F).
Clean the clinic surfaces on a routine basis (table surfaces, anesthetic machines,
floors, walls, cages, keyboards, telephones, clippers, leashes, muzzles, etc.).
CLIENT EDUCATION
http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com has a handout called MRSP for Pet Owners.
http://www.CCAR-ccra.org provides useful clinical information, including client education
handouts.
MRSA Facts
Can be found in the environment up to 42 days in carcasses and 60 days in meat
products.
Remains viable on glass for 46 hours.
Remains viable in direct sunlight for 17 hours.
Remains viable on the floor for 7 days
Can survive up to 12 months in clinic bedding and clothing.
UVC (ultraviolet light C) is germicidal and may be an effective method for cleaning
textiles in household and hospital environments.
Hand washing is the single most important act to help prevent spread of contagion
From the public domain from the Canadian Committee on Antibiotic ResearchInfection
Control and Best Practices for Small Animal Veterinary Clinics, November 2008:
Hand Washing
Most transient bacteria present on the hands are removed during the mechanical
action of washing, rinsing, and drying hands. Hand washing with soap and running