Preventing Disease Transmission and Zoonoses in AAT
The biggest barrier to bringing animals into hospitals and related institutions is concern about zoonoses. Zoonoses, or zoonotic diseases, are ones that can be passed from animals to humans, or from humans to animals. In addition to this, there is also concern about the transmission of disease from volunteer to patient. The Arkansas Department of Health regulates the use of animals in certain facilities, as well as, requirements for volunteers. Regarding animal assisted therapy for hospitals and related institutions, the guidelines stipulate that only canines may be used as visiting animals, and quarterly exams and lab work are required. Many hospitals may require that volunteers also be screened for certain diseases or even vaccinated.
Although there are many guidelines in place to help prevent the spread of disease, the easiest and sometimes the most effective way to protect both yourself and patients is by washing your hands. Volunteers should wash their hands after using the restroom, blowing their nose, sneezing, coughing, and between visits with different clients. Volunteers should also make sure that the people with whom they visit wash their hands both before and after their visit with any animal, especially if working in a hospital environment. Keep in mind that objects used during animal interactions (toys, brushes, etc.) also need to be disinfected between client visits.
In order to properly wash your hands, you must remove all jewelry, including your watch. Using comfortably hot water, wash hands between fingers and under nails. You must also be sure to wash past the wrist area. Hand washing should be done for a minimum of three minutes to effectively cleanse away potential pathogens. After washing hands, dry with a paper towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet.
Below are some frequently asked questions concerning disease and animal assisted therapy. The information provided only pertains to volunteers in Arkansas. Regulations vary from state to state. For information regarding your state's requirements for animals in institutions, check with your state health department.
My animal is on a routine vaccination and parasite prevention program. What other requirements are there for visiting facilities?
For some facilities, the Arkansas Department of Health requires that canines have stool cultures done to test for Giardia, Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter, and nasal cultures to test for group A streptococcus. These tests must be done on a quarterly basis, and all animals must test negative to visit or continue visiting.
What are these diseases and how are they transmitted?
The above diseases are bacterial. They are most commonly transmitted through an oral fecal route. The streptococcus can also be transmitted through aerosol.
What if my dog has a positive test result?
If your dog tests positive for any of the diseases listed, then he must undergo treatment by a veterinarian. These diseases can be treated with antibiotics. One negative test must be obtained before beginning or resuming visits.
It is possible to obtain a partial positive on any given test result. If this occurs, it is the decision of the infectious disease control officer of the institution as to whether or not your animal may visit or continue visiting.
What is the cost of these tests?
The required tests range in price from $100 to approximately $150.
My dog has already been evaluated and certified by Delta Society, does my vet still have to complete the health department’s behavior screening?
Yes. The Arkansas Department of Health does not require visiting canines to be certified through any agency, therefore, they have developed their own method for screening animals. This behavior screening must be performed by a veterinarian, and is very similar to the evaluation given by Pet Partners evaluators.
The facility at which I will be volunteering requires me to have a TB test. Why is this test required?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or TB, is a highly contagious bacterial disease transmitted by inhalation of infectious aerosol droplets. It is possible to be infected with , and transmit TB, without knowing you are sick. A tuberculin skin test, in which a purified protein derivative of the bacterium is injected beneath the skin, is required. If a person is or has been infected with TB a hypersensitivity reaction will occur at the injection site within 48 hours. Hypersensitivity could be the result of a previous infection or vaccination, not necessarily an active case. However, if this reaction does occur, further examination, such as a chest x-ray, will be needed. Persons with active cases of TB should avoid contact with others and be treated immediately.
What is a nosocomial infection?
A nosocomial infection is an infection that develops during the course of a hospital stay, but was not present at the time the patient was admitted.
