We are planning to establish animal assisted therapies (specifically trained dogs, cats, even a mini pig etc.) in our neuropediatric ward. Who has experience regarding hygiene precautions?
The animals will have veterinary check-ups on a regular basis.
Are microbiological swabs recommended as routine screening for MrgN, MRSA etc?
Any practical experience?
I don´t have a specific experience, but I´m a vet. I think that is important to screen animals feces regulary to be sure that they are free of zoonotic pathogens before and during human contact. A microbiological swabs (bacteries) and test blood for influenza viruses (PCR) could be make, specially in pigs. I hope that my opinion have you helped a little.
Evidence- based guidelines were developed by SHEA in 2015
http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2F40122_8F225BDD18D0712DEEBF6A631AA72D0B_journals__ICE_ICE36_05_S0899823X1500015Xa.pdf&cover=Y&code=a01f7100725431b5ff41ae708a1ef5e1
Locally we have developed an infection control policy for Dog- assisted therapy in care of the elderly.
Dear neighboring colleague,
the mentioned SHEA-guidelines seem to be better accessible under:
http://www.shea-online.org/View/ArticleId/345/Expert-Guidance-Animals-in-Healthcare-Facilities-Recommendations-to-Minimize-Potential-Risks.aspx
however, they seem to be restricted to payment ?!
for the german context, this actual source might be helpful:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26446586
In february, I joined a workshop on drug resistant bacteria in Bielefeld, which highlighted also this topic of animal assisted therapy, but had no further sources on it. I guess, pets, professional exposition to animal farmers and antibiotic (over-)use in animal farming will dominate above the - comparable rather rare - animal therapies.
But as these animals might be in close contact to various patients, who themselves might be carriers of resistant bacteria, there might me an individual "threat". So why not do your own little epidemiological research, taking swabs both from the animals and the patients to come (which of course should be planned in accordance to the responsible ethic committee …). If you plan research like that, let us know ...
I can offer one small piece of information. Any dog who has had the intra-nasal Bordetella vaccine (Kennel Cough) will be passing live viruses for up to 7 weeks. Because of the close resemblance to whooping cough it is recommended that immunosuppressed people and babies do not mix during this period.
Animal assisted therapy offers so many benefits. So use basic hygiene rules, wash hands after handling, don't let dogs lick face. Enjoy the companionship animals offer.
The TVT e. V. (Tieraerztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz) has published some papers on animals used in animal assisted interventions (http://www.tierschutz-tvt.de/index.php?id=merkblaetter#c136 --> go to "Nutzung von Tieren im sozialen Einsatz"). In these papers you will find well-researched information on behaviour, husbandry and also medical precautions.
If there are any questions further than the information given, I am sure the TVT will not hesitate to support you with the contact details of the authors.
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