Fomite Control Sample Clauses

Fomite Control. A fomite is an object that may be contaminated with pathogens and contribute to transmission of disease. The human body and clothing may serve as fomites. As apparently healthy animals as well as those who are obviously ill may be shedding pathogens, any complete sanitation protocol must address proper hygiene of shelter staff, volunteers, and visitors, including signage, supervision, and hand sanitation. Adequate hand sanitation is one of the best ways to prevent disease transmission and should be required before and after handling animals and fomites. Hand sanitation is achieved through hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, and proper use of gloves. Sinks should be available in all animal housing and food preparation areas, and must be equipped with soap and disposable paper towels. Hand sanitizer dispensers should be provided in all animal handling areas. It should be noted that hand sanitizers are ineffective against some of the most dangerous pathogens found in shelter settings (e.g., parvoviruses, caliciviruses) and cannot be relied on as the sole means of hand sanitation. Hand sanitizers should be used only on hands that appear clean (Xxxxx 2002) and should contain at least 60% alcohol. Clothing, even if visibly clean, may still carry pathogens. Protective garments (e.g., gowns, gloves, and boots or shoe covers) should be worn during cleaning or other intensive animal-handling activities (such as treatment of sick animals or euthanasia) and changed before going on with other activities of the day. Fresh protective garments should be worn when handling vulnerable populations, including puppies and kittens and newly admitted animals. Garments must be changed after handling an animal with a diagnosed or suspected serious illness such as parvovirus. All equipment that comes in contact with animals (e.g., muzzles, medical and anesthetic equipment, humane traps, gloves, toys, carriers, litterboxes, food bowls, bedding) including cleaning supplies should be either readily disinfected or discarded after use with a single animal. Items that cannot be readily disinfected, such as leather gloves and muzzles, represent a risk to animals. Their use should be voided especially for animals who appear ill and during disease outbreaks. For example, ringworm has been cultured from leather animal handling gloves in shelter settings. Mobile equipment such as rolling trash cans, shopping carts, and food or treatment carts (including their wheels) may also serve as fomit...