Sanitation and Disease Control (Advanced)
This Chapter Covers:
♦
Introduction
♦
Disease Transmission
♦
Methods to Reduce Disease Transmission
♦
Animal Management for Disease Control
♦
Factors in the Cleaning Process
♦
Cleaning and Sanitation Terms
♦
Key Chemical Agents Used in Shelter Sanitation
♦
Cleaning and Disinfecting Processes
♦
Pest Control
Introduction
There are several important reasons for establishing and maintaining a proper
disease control program: it reduces animal and human disease transmission, creates a
healthier living environment for the animals, improves the shelter's image, and
increases employee morale and pride in their shelter.
Place primary focus on a disease control program. A quality program is not
cheap, but it is essential in order to protect the health of employees and the animals in
their care. Additionally, a successful adoption program and public support cannot exist
without a good disease control program.
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Animal care includes two large areas: animal management and sanitation.
The animal control staff must be educated regarding methods to reduce disease
transmission, animal management for disease control, factors in the cleaning process,
cleaning and sanitation terms, key chemical agents used in shelter sanitation, cleaning
and disinfecting processes, and pest control.
Disease Transmission
Infectious microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. To
properly control and prevent disease transmission, you must have a good
understanding of the different methods of disease transmission: direct, indirect, fomites,
mechanical and biological vectors, and airborne.
Direct transmission - Direct skin-to-skin contact between animals allows for
transmission of mites (scabies) and fungi (ringworm). Direct transmission also occurs
through contact with body fluids.
Indirect transmission - This route is through contact with surfaces
contaminated with body fluids (discharge from eyes or nose, phlegm, saliva, urine,
feces, and blood) of infected animals. Contaminated surfaces can include an object
that harbors microorganisms (fomite) or a living entity (mechanical vector).
Fomites - Objects that can become contaminated and spread organisms to other
animals are called fomites. Examples of fomites are: shoes, clothes, food and water
bowls, leashes, catch poles, litter pans, mops, shovels, brooms, and surfaces of
kennels, cages, carriers, trucks, floors, walls, and counters.
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Mechanical vectors - Contaminated living entities are mechanical vectors that
physically carry the organisms from one place to another. An example of a mechanical
vector could be a rodent, an insect (roaches, flies, ants, etc.), your own hands, or any
living entity (such as a person or a dog) that visits a dog with a disease (such as
parvovirus) and then contacts the environment (such as a food bowl) of another dog.
Biological vectors - These are living organisms that are necessary for the
development and transmission of the infectious organism. Fleas (for tapeworms,
plague, and murine typhus), ticks (for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and
ehrlichiosis), and mosquitoes (for heartworms) are all examples of biological vectors.
Airborne transmission - Upper respiratory diseases (parainfluenza, feline
rhinotracheitis, and bordetella, which is known as kennel cough or canine cough) can be
transmitted through the air. The sneezing and coughing of animals infected with the
microorganisms allow the virus and bacteria particles to be circulated in the air for short
distances. In the process of spraying runs during cleaning, urine and feces can be
aerosolized and transmit disease.
Methods to Reduce Disease Transmission
Consider all methods for controlling environmental, animal to animal, animal to
human, and human to animal disease transmission. You can avoid most problems
through a properly managed and designed facility. Use construction materials that are
nonporous and waterproof for any surfaces that the animals contact. Do not use wood
because it cannot be properly sanitized. Seal cracks and crevices so dirt and
microorganisms will not seep through them after every washing.
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Avoid direct transmission by isolation and separation of animals. Reduce indirect
transmission by proper kennel design, sunlight and ultraviolet lighting, and a frequent
and thorough sanitation program. Adequate ventilation (10 to 15 air exchanges per
hour), distance isolation, and barriers prevent airborne transmission. An external
parasite control program for the impounded animals and a pest control program for the
shelter and the surrounding area help to eliminate biological vectors.
Animal Management for Disease Control
Every animal entering a facility is a potential disease carrier. Each animal has
been in contact with an unknown number and variety of diseases. Whether infected,
incubating, or just carrying disease organisms on its hair or pads, the healthiest looking
animal must be considered a potential danger to other animals.
Prevention of disease is based upon separation. Do not allow incoming animals
to have direct or indirect contact with any other animal. Direct contact is prevented by
providing a separate cage for each animal with dividers between enclosures. It also
means preventing contact between animals during cleaning and exercise periods.
Segregation is the separation of larger groups of animals from one another.
Provide different holding areas for stray, adoptable, quarantined, and isolated animals.
Within these areas, separate adults from juveniles. The adults have a greater chance of
carrying disease, and the young are more susceptible to contracting disease. Minimize
stress in the animals by keeping dogs and cats in different areas. Even with adequate
sanitation, it is best to keep an animal in the same cage during the time it spends in a
holding area. Sanitation is never 100% and switching cages increases indirect
exposure.
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Never overcrowd. The larger the population density, the greater the stress on
the animals and the more difficult it becomes to sanitize properly and control disease.
It is best to do a good job with the number of animals that can be provided with proper
care rather than jeopardize the health of all. Filling a facility beyond its capacity only
increases health problems and replaces euthanasia with death from disease.
Wash hands (or rubber gloves if you are wearing them) between cleaning
cages when the animals have to be handled during the cleaning process. You nullify
good shelter cleaning and sanitation procedures if you allow unprotected contact
between people and animals. Shelters also must be concerned with preventing the
public from going cage to cage petting the animals for two reasons: it increases the
chances of someone being bitten, and it is more likely to allow indirect transmission of
diseases.
Factors in the Cleaning Process
Many substances will need to be removed in the cleaning process including
grease and oils, which can be left on surfaces from an animal's fur, pads, and feces;
proteins from blood and feces; and acid or alkaline material from dust and dirt. These
substances may be fresh, ground-in, soft, or dried.
The water used for cleaning purposes must be clean. Water that gets dirty
during cleaning (mop water) can limit the effectiveness of the cleaning agent.
Generally, the higher the water temperature in which the cleaning agent is
dissolved, the faster the chemical reaction and the more effective the cleaning action.
However, some disinfecting products are specifically made to work in cold water.
Steam inactivates most bacteria and viruses on contact, but it also creates a humid
environment that is conducive for the growth of any remaining bacteria.
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Water physically dislodges and removes particles. The higher the water
pressure used, the better it can dislodge particles from cracks. Water also decreases
the number of disease agents through dilution. Application of water to clean is most
efficient through a high pressure system. If this is not available, use a regular
pressure hose with a spray nozzle on the end. This process can create aerosolized
and airborne transmission of diseases; as a safety measure, wear a dust mask while
you are cleaning.
Cleaning and Sanitation Terms
Sanitation involves achieving and maintaining a clean environment to reduce
the possibility of disease transmission. A sanitary environment is the most important
factor in the prevention of disease transmission. Appropriate disinfecting products,
cleaning schedules, and sanitation procedures, along with the cooperation and
commitment from all shelter staff, are essential elements in maintaining good
sanitation in your facility.
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes. They are not necessarily
accomplished at the same time or with the same chemical. It is possible to have a
cage that is clean but not disinfected.
A variety of cleaning and disinfecting products are on the market. When
considering which products to use in your shelter, you need to understand various
terms, including:
Antiseptic
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a chemical agent applied to living tissue to prevent
growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Shelter
personnel need to use an antiseptic to wash their
hands.
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Bactericide
a chemical agent that kills bacteria.
Bacteriostat
a chemical agent that inhibits growth and
reproduction of bacteria.
Contact time
the amount of time that a cleaning agent must be
left on the surface being cleaned to be effective.
Deodorant
an agent that destroys or masks odors. Deodorizers
have no place in an animal shelter. Odors are
indications that there is a problem that needs to be
corrected, not masked.
Detergent
a combination of compounds that act by emulsifying
oils and suspending dirt particles.
Disinfectant
a chemical agent applied to inanimate objects or
surfaces to kill pathogenic microorganisms (usually
does not kill bacterial spores).
Fungicide
a chemical agent that kills fungi.
Fungistat
a chemical agent that inhibits growth and
reproduction of fungi.
Germicide
a broad term applied to chemical agents that kill
microorganisms.
Sanitizing agent
a chemical agent that reduces bacterial population
on inanimate objects or surfaces.
Soap
a cleansing agent composed of a combination of
fats and alkalis.
Spore
a body formed within bacteria or fungus and
regarded as the resting stage during the life history
of the cell.
Sporocide
a chemical agent that kills spores.
Sterilization
the process of complete destruction of all forms of
microbial life.
Virucide
a chemical agent that kills viruses.
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Not understanding the advantages and limitations of the types of cleaning and
sanitizing agents available can lead to disappointing results, high costs, corrosion, and
hazardous conditions. Use products that have been tested on animal
microorganisms, specifically parvovirus (canine parvovirus can survive for several
weeks if not properly disinfected). Fact sheets accompanying the disinfectant usually
list the microorganisms that it will effectively destroy.
Key Chemical Agents Used in Shelter Sanitation
Consider your shelter's cleaning goals and purchase products that meet your
needs. What works well for one purpose may be totally ineffective for another
purpose. Additionally, various cleaning agents may damage some surfaces.
Select products that are stable, noncorrosive, nontoxic when applied as
directed, and economical. You may pay more for some concentrated products, but
you will save money by using less of the product over time.
There are combination detergent/disinfectant products available, but you must
never mix disinfectants with any other product. Mixing a disinfectant with another
chemical, soap, or disinfectant may inactivate it or cause a safety hazard.
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Detergents and Disinfectants
Name
Usage
Characteristics
Acid detergents
Remove dried urine particles on
equipment and cages.
Corrosive; potential health hazards;
need to remove residual detergent
by rinsing with water.
Alkaline detergents
Remove oils left on surfaces from
food, fecal material, or animal skin
and hair.
Separate fat molecules so can
remove by rinsing.
Iodine
Sanitizes equipment, utensils, and
skin.
Stable; irritates skin less and
corrodes metals less than other
products; bactericide; sporocide;
may stain.
Quaternary ammonium compounds
(AQuats@)
Kill enveloped viruses (feline
rhinotracheitis).
Noncorrosive; nontoxic; can cause
skin irritation; may leave a residual
coating on hard surfaces that
inhibits bacterial growth; can leave
oily film.
Phenols
Kill enveloped viruses.
Bactericidal; fungicidal; virucidal
(enveloped viruses); toxic to cats;
cause skin and mucous membrane
irritation; leave residual activity;
corrosive.
Products containing chlorine
(hypochlorites)
Kill enteroviruses (parvovirus,
coronavirus).
Effective against many viruses,
bacteria, and fungi; have deodorizer
activity; inexpensive; may be
corrosive; may irritate skin and
respiratory tract; whiten materials.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Processes
It is essential that the animals be maintained in a clean, sanitary environment.
All animal holding rooms, cages, runs, and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected on a regular, routine, frequent basis with additional cleaning and
disinfection as needed for special circumstances.
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Remove animals from their pens or cages during the cleaning process. This
will avoid getting the animals wet, exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals, and
stressing them by the whole process. You will also be able to clean more thoroughly
because you will not be distracted by the animal.
The difficult part in removing animals during the cleaning process is that you
need to have somewhere to put them. Do not allow an animal to roam in the aisle
while its cage is being cleaned because it can directly and indirectly transmit disease.
Inside-outside runs for dogs work great for shelters that have them. This allows the
animal to stay in the same cage and reduces the possibility of disease transmission.
When inside-outside runs are not available, a clean temporary cage is needed to
house animals during the cleaning process. The temporary cage must be cleaned
and disinfected after every animal.
Remember: Animals that are in quarantine must be kept in isolation
while their cages are being cleaned.
Remove food and water bowls. Soak bowls in a detergent solution while
kennels and cages are being cleaned. Then scrub them, rinse them, rinse again if
necessary, and dry them. You can use a dishwasher if one is available.
Remove any bedding or blankets. Seal disposable bedding in plastic garbage
bags. A washer and dryer are essential if blankets are used.
To complete the first step in cleaning cages or other equipment, remove all the
visible organic (substances derived from living organisms) matter from the surface.
Feces and spilled food cannot be disinfected. Organic matter also directly
inactivates many disinfectants. After scooping organic matter from a kennel, you
may need to spray the kennel with water to remove small particles.
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If necessary, use a detergent in combination with some type of physical force to
solubilize (loosen or dissolve) remaining material (you can remove 90% of the bacteria
during this process). If this is done, rinse the object or surface with water to remove
the detergent and organic matter.
Apply a disinfectant according to the manufacturer's instructions for
concentration and contact time. Rinse with water if the disinfectant requires it.
Squeegee any standing water to a drain. Allow the cage or run to dry before returning
the animal.
Pest Control
Pests or vermin are noxious (destructive to living beings) animals or insects
that can transmit diseases as mechanical or biological vectors. Shelters that are not
managed and maintained correctly can provide an excellent environment for vermin to
live and reproduce. Once they become established in a shelter, they can be very
difficult to eliminate. Therefore, preventing their entry into the facility is the key to
controlling them.
Treatment and Control of External Parasites
External parasites (fleas, ticks, and mites) can serve as biological vectors of
diseases to animals and humans. Heavy infestations can make animals miserable
and directly affect an animal's health through loss of blood, bites and sores, allergic
reactions, and intense itching.
Controlling external parasites can be difficult in a shelter. Once they are
introduced, they have a huge reservoir of potential breeding places in the environment
and within the animal population. For effective control, treat both the environment and
animals.
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Treat incoming animals to remove external parasites. There are many different
options for treatment. The most labor intensive method is to bathe every animal with
a flea and tick shampoo. Dips are very effective for fleas and ticks, but they cannot be
used on all animals. Powders and sprays are easy and safe, but they kill only a
percentage of the pests. Read labels and follow the manufacturer=s instructions on all
products. Determine if the product is safe to use on young animals, debilitated (weak)
animals, and cats before applying it to these animals.
Treatment and Control of Mechanical Vector Insects
Cockroaches can be the most annoying insects to manage in a shelter.
Control is made more difficult by their resistance to chemicals. Cockroaches can live
60 days to 2 years, and a female roach can produce millions of offspring.
Cockroaches frequently prefer moist places. They can be detected by directly
observing them or their small, black, almost spherical droppings. They also can
generate an oily odor that may be detectable by shelter staff.
To control cockroach infestations, eliminate their food sources. For difficult
roach problems, do not leave food in bowls continually. Reduce their hiding places by
plugging holes in buildings and repairing all floor and wall cracks. Store food supplies
and bedding so they are not touching the floors and walls. Remove trash frequently
and provide good ventilation to reduce the moisture level. Do not bring roaches into
the shelter with food supplies or donated newspapers.
Flies transmit disease because they feed on human and animal waste.
Bacteria stick to their mouths, footpads, and hairs and may be deposited wherever
they land or eat. Keep shelter areas clean to reduce the fly's food supply. Positive
airflow from the shelter interior to the outside will make it harder for flies to enter the
building.
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Insect pests (roaches, flies, ants, crickets, etc.) that serve as mechanical
vectors can often be prevented by maintaining a clean environment. Routinely treat
the grounds and facility with an insecticide. These products can be dangerous if used
improperly, so you may want to have a professional exterminator or a trained
individual select and apply the product. Before treating kennels and cages, remove
all animals. Remember that the products used will be removed during the first
cleaning.
Treatment and Control of Rodents
Rodents (rats and mice) have accompanied humans to most areas of the
world. Historically, they have been responsible for more human illnesses and deaths
than any other group of mammals. Indifference and carelessness in handling food
and refuse have helped support populations of rats and mice.
Rodents live and raise their families at the expense of humans and have
become a prominent economic factor and health hazard. Rats gnaw in search of food
and to wear down their constantly growing upper and lower incisors. Their gnawing
on insulation around electrical wiring can cause fires. Rodent bites, their infected fleas
and mites, and their habit of defecating and urinating on food and utensils spread
disease. One fecal dropping may contain several million bacteria.
Mice can enter buildings through dime size holes. Rats can enter through a
hole the size of a quarter. These rodents can climb brick walls and jump 3 feet
vertically and 4 feet horizontally. Rats and mice are strong swimmers and can enter
through drains and toilet bowl traps. A single pair of rats can produce 50 offspring
during their 1-year life span.
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Rodents urinate and defecate frequently as they travel. You have a rodent
problem if you notice droppings, rub marks (oily residue from their hair and pads),
gnawing, or tracks in dust. Keep rodents from entering a building by covering drains,
weather stripping, and sealing holes and doorways. Destroy their hiding places and
eliminate clutter in rooms. Place sacks of food on racks so they do not touch the
floors or walls. Exterminate rats and mice by using traps, glue boards, and poisons.
Place poisons where the animals in your care cannot contact them.
Some helpful conversion factors include:
1 milliliter (ml) = 1 cubic centimeter (cc)
1 teaspoon = 5 ml = 5 cc
2 ounce = 1 tablespoon = 15 ml = 15 cc = 1/16 cup
1 ounce = 2 tablespoons = 30 ml = 30 cc = 1/8 cup
2 cup = 8 tablespoons = 24 teaspoons
2 pint = 8 fluid ounces = 1 measuring cup . 240 ml
1 pint = 16 fluid ounces = 2 measuring cups . 480 ml
2 pints = 1 quart = 32 ounces
2 quarts = 2 gallon = 64 ounces
4 quarts = 1 gallon = 128 ounces
1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 128 ounces
References:
O. Peter Snyder, Jr., The Federal Veterinarian, AControl of Surface Microorganisms
and Biofilms,@ October 1992.
Retail Food Division of the Texas Department of Health, AThe Basics of Food Safety,@
June 1995.
Voglewede, Paula, Topics in Veterinary Medicine, Tech Talk, AIs Your Practice a
Source of Infection? How to Maintain Good Clinic Hygiene,@ Autumn 1992.
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