Infection Control at the Veterinary Medical Centre

Introduction

The Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is no different from any other hospital, be it veterinary or human. It exists to diagnose and treat animals suffering from a wide variety of ailments, a large proportion of which are infectious in origin. 

The presence of a large number of animals some of which have infectious diseases being housed in close proximity to healthy as well as immunosuppressed animals necessitates that procedures be put in place to fulfil two vital functions:

• Many animal diseases are zoonotic in nature and may be transmitted to humans. Everyone has the right to work in an environment where they are not exposed to either injury or disease.
• Prevention of the transmission of disease between animals within the VMC is a key component of our "duty of care."

Infection Control Guidelines

The following guidelines are dependent on all employees, students and staff working together to implement them. Therefore, we ask that you familiarize yourself with the Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) applicable to your area of operation and help each other to follow them. 

• Veterinary Medical Centre (Small Animal Clinic) Infection Control Manual (PDF 460 KB)
• Veterinary Medical Centre (Large Animal Clinic and Field Service) Infection Control Manual (PDF 512 KB)

The guidelines contained within these manuals are applicable to the following groups:

• WCVM faculty
• Designated WCVM staff
• VMC staff
• WCVM veterinary students
• Visiting veterinary technician students
• Visiting students
• Visiting scientists

Visitors and clients of the College should always be under the supervision of the above individuals and are expected to abide by these guidelines at all times.

These Guidelines were developed by the WCVM-VMC Infection Control Committee. If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of these guidelines, please feel free to approach any member of the committee with your comments. These protocols will be reviewed annually and your input is appreciated.

Contacts

• VTH Director (Acting): Dr. Klaas Post (306-966-7103)

• WCVM Buildings and Resources: Susan Cook (306-966-7373)

• VMC Infection Control Officer: Dr. Chris Clark (306-966-7165)

• WCVM Rabies Program Coordinator: Denise Hunt (306-966-7448)

• University of Saskatchewan Biosafety Manager: Andrea Smida (Tel: 306-966-8496; Fax: 306-966-8394). Please contact the U of S Biosafety Manager if:
  • a Level 3 pathogen is suspected
  • a case of human exposure to a zoonotic disease
  • there is the potential of a nosocomial disease outbreak (see Appendix 1, page 51).

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Regional Office: 306-975-4185.
  • Inform of all confirmed or suspect reportable diseases

U of S Biosafety Resources

• U of S Workplace Safety and Environmental Protection
• U of S Biosafety Code
• U of S Biosafety Manual
• U of S Hazardous Waste Manual