Preventing the Spread of DiseasePreventing the Spread of Disease

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread Through feces:Through feces:

• ParvoParvo• Feline panleukopeniaFeline panleukopenia• SalmonellaSalmonella• ToxoplasmaToxoplasma• Worm eggs (rounds, Worm eggs (rounds,

whips, hooks)whips, hooks)• Giardia and coccidiaGiardia and coccidia

Fecal-oral – infectious Fecal-oral – infectious organism ingested organism ingested after being passed in after being passed in fecesfeces

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread Fecal-oralFecal-oral

– Fecal contamination is not always Fecal contamination is not always obviousobvious

– Many pathogens may survive for long Many pathogens may survive for long periods of time in the environment.periods of time in the environment.

– Parvovirus, ringworm and some worm Parvovirus, ringworm and some worm eggs can survive for yearseggs can survive for years

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread By air (aerosol)By air (aerosol)

– Upper Upper respiratory respiratory infection infection (URI-cats)(URI-cats)

– Kennel cough Kennel cough (dogs)(dogs)

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread AerosolAerosol

– Aerosols travel only 3-4 feet, so dividers between Aerosols travel only 3-4 feet, so dividers between cages helpcages help

– 12-15 fresh “air exchanges” per hour minimum is 12-15 fresh “air exchanges” per hour minimum is recommendedrecommended

– ““Air change” is also goodAir change” is also good» Open windows or fan brings outside air inOpen windows or fan brings outside air in

» After moving through the room, another fan blows air back After moving through the room, another fan blows air back outsideoutside

– Fans blowing directly on animals can spread disease Fans blowing directly on animals can spread disease by creating aerosolsby creating aerosols

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread Animal bites or Animal bites or

salivasaliva– Feline leukemiaFeline leukemia– FIVFIV– RabiesRabies– Bacteria that can Bacteria that can

cause bite wound cause bite wound abscessesabscesses

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread Animal bites or salivaAnimal bites or saliva

– Saliva spread (FeLV):Saliva spread (FeLV):» Grooming each otherGrooming each other» Sharing food and water bowlsSharing food and water bowls

– FIV and Rabies require bites, not just FIV and Rabies require bites, not just friendly casual contactfriendly casual contact

– Rabies can also infect by entry through Rabies can also infect by entry through broken skin or contact with mucous broken skin or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, etc.)membranes (eyes, mouth, etc.)

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread Through direct Through direct

contactcontact– RingwormRingworm– ScabiesScabies– Ear mitesEar mites– Hookworm Hookworm

larvaelarvae

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread By insect “vectors”By insect “vectors”

– Mosquitoes spread heartwormsMosquitoes spread heartworms– Fleas spread tapewormsFleas spread tapeworms– Ticks spread Lyme disease, Rocky Ticks spread Lyme disease, Rocky

Mountain Spotted Fever, and moreMountain Spotted Fever, and more– Vectors must be controlled in the shelterVectors must be controlled in the shelter

» Eliminate standing water (mosquitos)Eliminate standing water (mosquitos)» Treat fleas on animals and in environmentTreat fleas on animals and in environment» Keep grass cut to limit ticksKeep grass cut to limit ticks

How Diseases SpreadHow Diseases Spread By infected objects (fomites)By infected objects (fomites)

– Ringworm spread by spores on pet hairRingworm spread by spores on pet hair– Cage walls, toys, and bedding Cage walls, toys, and bedding – Peoples’ hands – including staff!Peoples’ hands – including staff!

12 Tips to Help You Avoid 12 Tips to Help You Avoid Zoonotic DiseasesZoonotic Diseases

Stay current on appropriate vaccinations (tetanus, Stay current on appropriate vaccinations (tetanus, rabies)rabies)

Wash hands frequently with antibacterial soapWash hands frequently with antibacterial soap

– before eating or smokingbefore eating or smoking– After handling each animal or cageAfter handling each animal or cage

Wear long pants and sturdy shoes or bootsWear long pants and sturdy shoes or boots Use glovesUse gloves Wear safety glasses and mask when spray Wear safety glasses and mask when spray

cleaningcleaning Disinfect scratches and bite wounds thoroughlyDisinfect scratches and bite wounds thoroughly

12 Tips to Help You Avoid 12 Tips to Help You Avoid Zoonotic DiseasesZoonotic Diseases

Don’t allow animals to lick your face or Don’t allow animals to lick your face or any open wounds any open wounds

Learn safe & humane animal-handling Learn safe & humane animal-handling techniques, and user proper equipmenttechniques, and user proper equipment

Seek assistance when handling Seek assistance when handling questionable animalsquestionable animals

Report any bites or injuries to supervisor Report any bites or injuries to supervisor Tell your physician where you workTell your physician where you work Consider other work if you are Consider other work if you are

immunosuppressed.immunosuppressed.

How to Prevent Disease SpreadHow to Prevent Disease Spread

Examine each animal Examine each animal upon arrivalupon arrival– Eyes, ears, nose, Eyes, ears, nose,

mouth, skin/coat, mouth, skin/coat, limbs, anal/genitallimbs, anal/genital

– HydrationHydration

– Rectal temperatureRectal temperature

– RespirationRespiration

– AttitudeAttitude

– RECORD RESULTS!!RECORD RESULTS!!

How to Prevent Disease SpreadHow to Prevent Disease Spread

Vaccinate and deworm immediately Vaccinate and deworm immediately Quarantine for two days or longer Quarantine for two days or longer

(preferably with solid divider between (preferably with solid divider between animals)animals)

2 week quarantine is ideal2 week quarantine is ideal Avoid indirect contact between animals Avoid indirect contact between animals

(bowls, toys, play areas, etc.)(bowls, toys, play areas, etc.) Move into healthy animal housing area if no Move into healthy animal housing area if no

signs of diseasesigns of disease

How to Prevent Disease SpreadHow to Prevent Disease Spread

Observe animals every Observe animals every day, record changes and day, record changes and act when you need toact when you need to

Smart staff know what to Smart staff know what to look forlook for

Some sick animals don’t Some sick animals don’t look sicklook sick– Exposed before arrival Exposed before arrival

(incubating)(incubating)– Healthy-appearing Healthy-appearing

animals can be disease animals can be disease “carriers”“carriers”

How to Prevent Disease SpreadHow to Prevent Disease Spread

Write down how Write down how cleaning and disease cleaning and disease treatment are to be treatment are to be donedone

Make sure that Make sure that everyone understands everyone understands WHY, so they will be WHY, so they will be more likely to do it more likely to do it properlyproperly

Animal HousingAnimal Housing

What are your cages made of and What are your cages made of and what is in them?what is in them?

Problems for Problems for cleaning:cleaning:

WoodWood Cracked floorsCracked floors Gravel runsGravel runs Chain linkChain link ToysToys Blankets & towelsBlankets & towels Bowls – plasticBowls – plastic

What are your cages made of and What are your cages made of and what is in them?what is in them?

Dirt floors, grass lawns and wood are Dirt floors, grass lawns and wood are impossible to cleanimpossible to clean

Gravel and can not be cleaned wellGravel and can not be cleaned well– Replace once a yearReplace once a year

Sealed concrete runs work wellSealed concrete runs work well Drainage of water and waste are criticalDrainage of water and waste are critical Scrub chain link fences and barsScrub chain link fences and bars Toys should be non-porous and disinfectedToys should be non-porous and disinfected Bedding changed dailyBedding changed daily

What About Cats?What About Cats?

Most older shelters not designed for Most older shelters not designed for catscats

Cats are often housed with dogs, which Cats are often housed with dogs, which is stressful for many of the cats is stressful for many of the cats

Smaller rooms can hold groups of catsSmaller rooms can hold groups of cats Special cages needed for catsSpecial cages needed for cats

– Smaller size, stainless steelSmaller size, stainless steel– Designed to protect the staff and the catDesigned to protect the staff and the cat

Cat HousingCat Housing Ventilation critical to Ventilation critical to

reduce URIreduce URI Air exchange can be Air exchange can be

as simple as a fan in a as simple as a fan in a window pulling air to window pulling air to the outsidethe outside

Minimize moistureMinimize moisture

•Ideally, there should be at least three cat holding areasIdeally, there should be at least three cat holding areas•Adoption (healthy cats)Adoption (healthy cats)•IsolationIsolation•Quarantine (Quarantine (++ healthy hold) healthy hold)

•Ideally, litters should not be mixedIdeally, litters should not be mixed

Cat ColoniesCat Colonies Allow furniture, exercise, Allow furniture, exercise,

and company of other catsand company of other cats Reduces stressReduces stress Risk of URI increasedRisk of URI increased No strays until hold period No strays until hold period

completedcompleted Screen colony candidates for health, test for FeLV Screen colony candidates for health, test for FeLV

& FIV, vaccinate, deworm& FIV, vaccinate, deworm Monitor for health and behavior problems; Monitor for health and behavior problems;

remove if necessaryremove if necessary

Cat ColoniesCat Colonies

House by life stage groupsHouse by life stage groups Don’t add new cats as animals leave the Don’t add new cats as animals leave the

groupgroup Allow group to dwindle down until 1-2 left Allow group to dwindle down until 1-2 left

that can be moved to cagesthat can be moved to cages Disinfect and start over with a new groupDisinfect and start over with a new group

Isolation and QuarantineIsolation and Quarantine

They are not the same!They are not the same! Both are importantBoth are important Combining these areas Combining these areas

will create health will create health problems in the shelterproblems in the shelter

Not having these areas Not having these areas at all will create even at all will create even more problems!more problems!

QuarantineQuarantine

Housing for incubation Housing for incubation suspects, to watch for suspects, to watch for diseasedisease– Exposed to diseaseExposed to disease– new animalsnew animals– Rabies observationRabies observation– Pregnant & newborn Pregnant & newborn

animalsanimals– Recuperating animalsRecuperating animals

Quiet, safe, away from public view/trafficQuiet, safe, away from public view/traffic Ideally, separate air flow coming from healthy parts of Ideally, separate air flow coming from healthy parts of

building and vented outsidebuilding and vented outside Quarantine is for healthy animals!Quarantine is for healthy animals!

IsolationIsolation

Housing for sick Housing for sick animalsanimals

Prevent disease Prevent disease transmission & enable transmission & enable treatmenttreatment

Quiet, safe, away from Quiet, safe, away from public view/trafficpublic view/traffic

Preventing Disease Transmission Preventing Disease Transmission During EuthanasiaDuring Euthanasia

Euthanize unhealthy animals firstEuthanize unhealthy animals first Avoid handling other animals directly after Avoid handling other animals directly after

euthanasiaeuthanasia

Things that Affect Overall Disease Things that Affect Overall Disease Control in the ShelterControl in the Shelter

Ventilation—12-15 air exchanges per hourVentilation—12-15 air exchanges per hour Air flow and human trafficAir flow and human traffic

– from younger to older life stagesfrom younger to older life stages– from healthy to sick areasfrom healthy to sick areas

Temperature control—minimum of 65-75 degrees, Temperature control—minimum of 65-75 degrees, maximum of 85 degreesmaximum of 85 degrees– Warmer for puppies and kittensWarmer for puppies and kittens– Heaters, A/C, vents and filters cleaned regularlyHeaters, A/C, vents and filters cleaned regularly

Drafts—avoidDrafts—avoid

Things that Affect Overall Disease Things that Affect Overall Disease Control in the ShelterControl in the Shelter

Humidity—should be below 50 percentHumidity—should be below 50 percent Light—diffused is bestLight—diffused is best Noise reduction reduces animal stressNoise reduction reduces animal stress

– Insulate between metal cagesInsulate between metal cages Proper nutrition is critical for healthy immune Proper nutrition is critical for healthy immune

systemsystem– The best food you can affordThe best food you can afford– Make sure animals are being fed enoughMake sure animals are being fed enough

Human companionship for those animals who Human companionship for those animals who want itwant it

Shelter SanitationShelter Sanitation

Two Steps to SanitationTwo Steps to Sanitation

CleaningCleaning

(To rid of dirt or other (To rid of dirt or other impurities)impurities)

DisinfectingDisinfecting

(To destroy or eliminate (To destroy or eliminate infection by reducing infection by reducing

the number of the number of pathogens present)pathogens present)

DisinfectantDisinfectant Definition:Definition:

Chemical agent that is applied to Chemical agent that is applied to inanimate objects or surfaces to kill inanimate objects or surfaces to kill pathogenic microorganisms, pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, but not usually including bacteria, but not usually bacterial spores. Fungi and some bacterial spores. Fungi and some viruses are often killed by viruses are often killed by disinfectants also.disinfectants also.

Properties of DisinfectantsProperties of Disinfectants

BacteriostaticBacteriostatic (capable of inhibiting or (capable of inhibiting or preventing growth of bacteria)preventing growth of bacteria)

BactericidalBactericidal (capable of killing bacteria) (capable of killing bacteria) Fungicidal Fungicidal (capable of killing fungi and (capable of killing fungi and

yeast)yeast) Virucidal Virucidal (capable of killing viruses)(capable of killing viruses) Sporocidal Sporocidal (capable of killing spores)(capable of killing spores) Oocidal Oocidal (capable of killing oocysts)(capable of killing oocysts)

Types of DisinfectantsTypes of Disinfectants Most common types are phenols, Most common types are phenols,

quaternary ammoniums, halogens, quaternary ammoniums, halogens, biguanides and peroxygens.biguanides and peroxygens.

Want one that acts fast, kills many types of Want one that acts fast, kills many types of germs, and penetratesgerms, and penetrates

Must also be nonirritating, nontoxic, Must also be nonirritating, nontoxic, nonstaining, noncorrosive, inexpensive, etc.nonstaining, noncorrosive, inexpensive, etc.

No one product meets all criteria, but No one product meets all criteria, but peroxygens are a current favorite.peroxygens are a current favorite.

Safety of ChemicalsSafety of Chemicals

Safe for animals and Safe for animals and humanshumans

Use according to Use according to directionsdirections

Comply with OSHA Comply with OSHA and EPA regulationsand EPA regulations

Store separately from Store separately from food and beddingfood and bedding

Improper use can be Improper use can be dangerousdangerous

PhenolsPhenols Example - LysolExample - Lysol Most organisms are killed by phenolsMost organisms are killed by phenols Fast-acting, work well in hard water, most Fast-acting, work well in hard water, most

effective in acidic environmentseffective in acidic environments May be corrosive, toxic, smellyMay be corrosive, toxic, smelly Toxic to cats Toxic to cats Newer types (substitued phenols) are better, Newer types (substitued phenols) are better,

but still not for catsbut still not for cats

PhenolsPhenols Effective against:Effective against:

– Canine Canine parainfluenzaparainfluenza

– RabiesRabies– CoronaCorona– Canine distemperCanine distemper– BacteriaBacteria– FungiFungi

Not so good for:Not so good for:– ParvovirusParvovirus– Hepatitis virusHepatitis virus– AdenovirusesAdenoviruses– Bacterial sporesBacterial spores

HalogensHalogens Include bleach and iodineInclude bleach and iodine Bleach is quickly inactivated by Bleach is quickly inactivated by

organic matterorganic matter Only clean surfaces should be bleachedOnly clean surfaces should be bleached Inexpensive, act rapidly, best in weakly Inexpensive, act rapidly, best in weakly

acidic environmentsacidic environments Corrosive to many metal surfaces Corrosive to many metal surfaces

including drain pipesincluding drain pipes

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)- a halogen -- a halogen -

Dilute from 1 to 4 ounces per gallon of water for Dilute from 1 to 4 ounces per gallon of water for best effectbest effect– 5% bleach is the stock solution5% bleach is the stock solution– Diluted 1:32 with waterDiluted 1:32 with water

Fumes may irritate skin and respiratory tracts of Fumes may irritate skin and respiratory tracts of staff and animalsstaff and animals

Contact time = 10 minutesContact time = 10 minutes ““Chlorox Ultra” formulation (lye added) difficult Chlorox Ultra” formulation (lye added) difficult

to rinse off and not recommended for use around to rinse off and not recommended for use around pets or childrenpets or children– Especially dangerous to catsEspecially dangerous to cats

HalogensHalogens Effective against:Effective against:

– Canine parainfluenzaCanine parainfluenza– RabiesRabies– CoronaCorona– Canine distemperCanine distemper– BacteriaBacteria– FungiFungi– ParvoParvo– HepatitisHepatitis– AdenovirusesAdenoviruses– URI virusesURI viruses– Feline leukemiaFeline leukemia

Not so good for:Not so good for:– Bacterial spores, unless Bacterial spores, unless

prolonged contactprolonged contact– Worm eggsWorm eggs– Coccidia oocystsCoccidia oocysts– Need stronger dilution for Need stronger dilution for

ringworm (1:10)ringworm (1:10)

Quaternary AmmoniumsQuaternary Ammoniums Most effective in alkaline Most effective in alkaline

environments (don’t work well in hard environments (don’t work well in hard water)water)

Act fast, low tissue toxicity, not very Act fast, low tissue toxicity, not very corrosivecorrosive

Soap and organic matter quickly Soap and organic matter quickly inactivate quatsinactivate quats

More expensiveMore expensive

Quaternary AmmoniumsQuaternary Ammoniums ““New” quats not effective against canine parvovirus or New” quats not effective against canine parvovirus or

feline calicivirus, despite manufacturer’s claimsfeline calicivirus, despite manufacturer’s claims Contact with full-strength solutions will burn skin and Contact with full-strength solutions will burn skin and

mucous membranesmucous membranes Cats may develop ulcers of mouth and esophagus if Cats may develop ulcers of mouth and esophagus if

they ingest even diluted amountsthey ingest even diluted amounts Most popular versions: Parvosol and Roccal-D PlusMost popular versions: Parvosol and Roccal-D Plus Most require one-ounce-per-gallon dilution, but read Most require one-ounce-per-gallon dilution, but read

labellabel

Quaternary AmmoniumsQuaternary Ammoniums Effective against:Effective against:

– Canine parainfluenzaCanine parainfluenza

– RabiesRabies

– CoronaCorona

– Canine distemperCanine distemper

– Feline leukemiaFeline leukemia

– BacteriaBacteria

– FungiFungi

Not so good for:Not so good for:– ParvoParvo

– URI virusesURI viruses

– HepatitisHepatitis

– AdenovirusesAdenoviruses

– Bacterial sporesBacterial spores

– Worm eggsWorm eggs

– Coccidia oocystsCoccidia oocysts

– RingwormRingworm

BiguanidesBiguanides Nolvasan (chlorhexidine) is most Nolvasan (chlorhexidine) is most

commoncommon Work best in alkaline Work best in alkaline

environmentsenvironments Not very toxic to tissue, organic Not very toxic to tissue, organic

matter limits effectivenessmatter limits effectiveness ExpensiveExpensive

BiguanidesBiguanides Effective against:Effective against:

– Canine parainfluenzaCanine parainfluenza

– RabiesRabies

– CoronaCorona

– Canine distemperCanine distemper

– Some types of bacteriaSome types of bacteria

– FungiFungi

Not so good for:Not so good for:– ParvoParvo

– HepatitisHepatitis

– AdenovirusesAdenoviruses

– URI virusesURI viruses

– Bacterial sporesBacterial spores

Peroxygens & Accelerated Peroxygens & Accelerated PeroxidesPeroxides

peroxygens Aka – potassium peroxygens Aka – potassium peroxymonosulfate disinfectants peroxymonosulfate disinfectants – Have come about in the past 10 yearsHave come about in the past 10 years– Examples – Virkon and TrifectantExamples – Virkon and Trifectant– 1% dilution recommended1% dilution recommended– Have to mix fresh solution weekly from the Have to mix fresh solution weekly from the

stock powderstock powder– Less irritating and corrosive than bleachLess irritating and corrosive than bleach– Works better with small amounts of organic Works better with small amounts of organic

debris than quats or bleachdebris than quats or bleach

Peroxygens & Accelerated Peroxygens & Accelerated PeroxidesPeroxides

accelerated peroxides accelerated peroxides – Have come about in the past 5 yearsHave come about in the past 5 years– Examples – AccelExamples – Accel– Less irritating and corrosive than bleachLess irritating and corrosive than bleach– Works better with small amounts of organic Works better with small amounts of organic

debris than quats or bleachdebris than quats or bleach– Has detergent properties for cleaning like quatsHas detergent properties for cleaning like quats– The first disinfectant to be effective with short The first disinfectant to be effective with short

contact time (1 minute)contact time (1 minute)– Liquid can be used in sprayers and other Liquid can be used in sprayers and other

apportioning unitsapportioning units

Peroxygens & Accelerated Peroxygens & Accelerated PeroxidesPeroxides

Effective against:Effective against:– URI virusesURI viruses– RabiesRabies– CoronaCorona– Canine distemperCanine distemper– BacteriaBacteria– FungiFungi– ParvovirusParvovirus– CalicivirusCalicivirus– adenovirusesadenoviruses

Not so good for:Not so good for:– Worm eggsWorm eggs– oocystsoocysts

Using DisinfectantsUsing Disinfectants Things to consider:Things to consider:

– Exposure timeExposure time– TemperatureTemperature– ConcentrationConcentration

Use hot water (except when diluting bleach)Use hot water (except when diluting bleach) Read label for recommendations and follow Read label for recommendations and follow

them carefullythem carefully

CleaningCleaning Written protocols are crucialWritten protocols are crucial Rotate disinfectantsRotate disinfectants Clean from healthy to sickClean from healthy to sick

– DegreaserDegreaser– Quat (let sit 10 minutes)Quat (let sit 10 minutes)– Bleach (let sit 10-20 minutes)Bleach (let sit 10-20 minutes)– ALWAYS RINSE!!ALWAYS RINSE!!

Clean younger to olderClean younger to older Never mix bleach other disinfectants (ammonia Never mix bleach other disinfectants (ammonia

gas)gas)

CleaningCleaning SuppliesSupplies

– Right toolsRight tools» Scrub brushesScrub brushes» GlassesGlasses» GlovesGloves» ApronsAprons» squeegeessqueegees

– Make sure they are clean Make sure they are clean (180F)(180F)

– Enough for everyoneEnough for everyone– Each area has its own toolsEach area has its own tools– In good repairIn good repair

CleaningCleaning OversightOversight TrainingTraining Understand WHYUnderstand WHY AccountabilityAccountability Pride in workPride in work Say “thank you” for a Say “thank you” for a

job well donejob well done Have a “scrub fest”Have a “scrub fest”

Cleaning Dog CagesCleaning Dog Cages

Remove dog from runRemove dog from run Remove food and Remove food and

water bowls – clean or water bowls – clean or change themchange them

Scoop poop and other Scoop poop and other materials in cagematerials in cage

If necessary, use If necessary, use detergent to scrub detergent to scrub before disinfectingbefore disinfecting

RINSERINSE

Cleaning Dog CagesCleaning Dog Cages

Spray disinfectant and Spray disinfectant and scrub againscrub again

Rinse cage Rinse cage squeegee drysqueegee dry

Cleaning Dog CagesCleaning Dog Cages

Replace toys and Replace toys and beddingbedding

Bedding for litters of Bedding for litters of puppies may need to puppies may need to be changed more than be changed more than once dailyonce daily

Return dog to runReturn dog to run

Cleaning Cat Cages Cleaning Cat Cages without moving Catswithout moving Cats

Leave cat in cage, or place Leave cat in cage, or place in carrier or twin cagein carrier or twin cage

Wipe down with Wipe down with disinfectant and paper disinfectant and paper towelstowels

Change bedding if neededChange bedding if needed Food/water/litterFood/water/litter Less moisture = lower Less moisture = lower

humidity = reduced URI humidity = reduced URI riskrisk

Cleaning Cat Cages by Moving CatsCleaning Cat Cages by Moving Cats

Remove cat from cage – Remove cat from cage – place in holding cageplace in holding cage

Scrub thoroughlyScrub thoroughly– Cage wallsCage walls– Cage doorsCage doors– Cage CEILING & Cage CEILING &

floorfloor Rinse and dry cageRinse and dry cage BeddingBedding Food/water/litterFood/water/litter Reset cage, return cat and Reset cage, return cat and

disinfect holding cagedisinfect holding cage

Hand WashingHand Washing Volunteers to Volunteers to

remind publicremind public Post signs (nice Post signs (nice

ones) to remind ones) to remind visitors to wash visitors to wash hands between hands between touching animalstouching animals

Hand sanitizer in Hand sanitizer in each roomeach room