The simulation provides an opportunity to modify the retrieval and containment checklist and evaluate the inventory list of materials needed. While there are well established protocols for dealing with ‘foreign’ animal diseases, “most of our foreign animal disease protocols are focused on preventing transmission to animals or between farms, not from animals to people,” says Weese. Unloading Merlin from the crate at the quarantine site. Unloading Merlin from the back of the transport truck at the quarantine site. The covered crate also helps to keep the animal calm during the exercise. For example, there may be potential contaminants on the animal’s coat, if an infected person has vomited or had diarrhea and the animal has gotten this on their fur. That includes placing the animal in a covered crate. Once retrieved, the animal is contained and transported according to carefully designed protocol to ensure appropriate disease containment. “What kind of animal are you dealing with, temperament, how are you going to find the animal?” “When dealing with animals, you need a game plan before you begin the retrieval, whether it’s in a house or another location,” adds Weese. “When applying procedures, you may find that some things you’ve discussed are impractical in your particular facility or location.” “You can discuss particular scenarios and the steps involved, but it is much better to have a trial run,” says Weese. Equipment goes on and comes off in a particular order and when removed goes immediately into a biohazardous waste container.ĭuring the simulation, one person observes, one runs through the checklist, while other individuals go through the steps involved. Donning and doffing PPE is planned in advance and choreographed. “There are a lot of steps involved with PPE and it is easy to contaminate yourself,” he adds. The main aim of the drill was to practice the procedures involved, primarily those surrounding the proper use of complex personal protective equipment (PPE), says Weese. Loading Merlin into a crate for transport with two response team members in full PPE. One of the responsibilities of the AHWB is to manage important animal health incidents in Ontario, which would include animal exposure to Ebola virus. The exercise was a collaboration between OVC and the Animal Health and Welfare Branch (AHWB) of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). In this case, Weese’s dog, Merlin, played the Ebola-exposed dog. The guidelines we put in place for this could be applied to other emerging diseases.”Ī recent trial run with an “Ebola-infected” animal offered the opportunity to fine-tune protocols in retrieval, transportation and quarantine. “Infectious disease preparedness is not disease specific. “We are constantly encountering new infectious diseases,” says Weese. The procedures put in place now will add to guidelines currently in place. However, he adds, Ebola is not going away and it will happen again. The threat of Ebola in Ontario remains extremely low, so the chance of needing this isolation protocol during the current outbreak is minimal, says Weese. Scott Weese, OVC Chief of Infection Control and a faculty member in Pathobiology. With expertise in infectious animal diseases, it’s not surprising to learn that the Ontario Veterinary College has been preparing guidelines should a companion animal be exposed to a person with Ebola virus disease.Īs the only veterinary college in the province, home to the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses and a leader in infectious diseases internationally, OVC must play an important role in this area, says Dr.
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