DISEASE PREVENTION: DIRECT CONTACT AND FOMITE TRANSMISSION

Direct contact transmission of pathogens requires Reproductive transmission is a specifi c type of the presence of a disease causing organism within direct contact transmission that involves transfer an infected animal or in the environment. Exposure of pathogens during breeding, either naturally or occurs when a pathogen directly touches open artifi cially or in-utero, when the dam infects the wounds, mucous membranes or the skin of a off spring during pregnancy. susceptible animal. Transmission can occur from contaminated blood or saliva, nose-to-nose contact, Fomites are any objects that can carry disease rubbing or biting. pathogens from one susceptible animal to another or from one area or location to another. Examples It is important to note that direct contact include carriers, leashes, bedding, bowls, brushes, transmission is possible between diff erent species, or toys, as well as clothing or footwear. Vehicles or including humans for some diseases. Ringworm is human foot traffi c are also included. a common zoonotic shelter disease transmitted by direct contact.

There are ways to decrease the risk of the diseases spread by direct contact or fomite transmission.

Minimize Exposure Traffi c Management - Reduce the density or closeness of animals to each - Post signs with clear instructions regarding your policies other or change housing layout so animals are for visitors (e.g., Do Not Enter, Authorized Personnel Only) optimally distanced from each other to prevent direct - Certain areas of the facility, such as isolation, should be nose-to-nose or fur-to-fur contact restricted to a limited number of shelter staff only - Avoid overcrowding of animals - Clean clothing and footwear should be required and - Prevent contact between animals of diff ering age or provided for ANYONE entering animal areas, especially immune status isolation areas - Isolate all sick animals immediately so they do not - Clothing used as barrier protection (e.g, smocks, contact other susceptible animals coveralls, scrubs), towels or blankets used in the shelter Cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of the environment must be washed prior to reuse and potential fomites - Animal transport carriers can serve as fomites and should be disinfected and cleaned on a regular basis - When performed properly, C&D can reduce the

incidence of most infectious diseases and control the Personal Protection transmission of pathogens by most routes - Shelter staff should take precautions, especially when - Do not share equipment between areas of the facilities, zoonotic diseases are suspected especially those used for isolation areas or with known - Gloves, smocks, uniforms, coveralls, dedicated boots infectious animals or disposable booties can help to minimize disease - If equipment must be shared, it should be washed with pathogen transfer and protect personnel warm water and soap, rinsed, and disinfected - When airborne infectious particles are suspected, before it is used elsewhere glasses or masks may be required

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