Handling and Husbandry of Patients with a Suspected or Known Infectious Disease

Zoonotic diseases

• For animals with a suspected zoonotic disease (e.g., rabies), as indicated on the Farm Animal Suspect Infectious Disease Chart, a contact log must be initiated as soon as the animal is unloaded by the attending service technician or clinician. An email should be sent to LAZoonotic@lists.ncsu.edu by the HO or senior clinician to alert the hospital of the potential zoonotic disease risk.

Dermatological problems

• Grooming utensils (e.g. hoof nippers) and halters for animals with dermatological problems must be kept at the individual’s stall and cleaned and disinfected before being returned to general use.

Mastitis

• When handling the udder of an animal, clean exam gloves must be worn. Culture and sensitivity of milk sample(s) are recommended in patients with mastitis. All milking equipment is to be cleaned according to the milking equipment cleaning SOP. 
• Face protection (face mask and face shields/safety glasses) are recommended due to concerns of HPAI and other zoonotic agents.