AVA Conference Perth 2019

Personal and environmental infection control practices are critical to prevent nosocomial and zoonotic infections as well as reducing the threat of multi-resistant organisms. The increasing incidence and severity of nosocomial infections (hospital acquired), such as virulent feline calicivirus and zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosis and Q fever, within Australia, requires the veterinary profession to respond. Every staff member has a duty of care to ensure that they are providing care at optimal levels for themselves, their patients and the community they interact with. Self reported compliance rates of high risk behaviours, (such as recapping of needles, neonatal resuscitation), glove use and individual beliefs regarding a range of recommended personal infection control practices, (such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment and personal vaccination), were investigated. Data was gathered through the use of questionnaires and focus groups. Veterinarians and veterinary nurses participate in numerous high risk behaviours. These behaviours can predispose them to infection with zoonotic pathogens and physical injury. The research found poor compliance with veterinary guidelines for safe infection control practices.