Combating nosocomial Infections in veterinary settings with EOLIS Air Manager

Economic costs of infection management

The economic costs associated with managing nosocomial infections in veterinary facilities can be considerable, impacting not only clinic budgets but also costs borne by pet owners. Containing an infection outbreak may require substantial expenditures to cover the isolation of infected patients, the treatment of affected cases, and intensified disinfection procedures for premises and equipment. For example, in France, an outbreak caused by feline calicivirus, a particularly resilient virus in the environment, resulted in expenses of approximately €50,000 in a veterinary hospital, including cleaning costs, protective equipment for staff, and temporary closure of certain services².

These costs are also exacerbated by service interruptions. In the case of a severe nosocomial infection, a clinic may be forced to suspend certain activities, leading to significant revenue loss. The prolonged treatments required for affected animals also increase costs for medications, hospitalization, and intensive care. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics and specific treatments for multi-resistant infections incurs additional expenses, especially when the involved bacteria do not respond to first-line antibiotics.​ (Le Point Vétérinaire.fr)​

Best practices to limit the spread of nosocomial diseases in veterinary clinics

Preventing nosocomial infections in veterinary facilities relies on a set of rigorously applied best practices at every stage of care, from the reception of animals to surgical procedures. Here are some essential recommendations for managing these risks:

1. Hand hygiene: Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the transmission of pathogens. Studies indicate that hand contamination can occur even with brief contact with contaminated surfaces, making the systematic use of hand sanitizers before and after each animal handling essential. Dispensers should be installed in all critical areas such as consultation and operating rooms.
2. Isolation of infected animals: Isolating animals with infectious diseases is a key measure to limit the spread of pathogens within the clinic. Suspected or confirmed animals carrying infectious agents should be separated in dedicated areas, ideally with distinct access routes to avoid cross-flows with other patients and staff. This measure effectively controls the spread of multi-resistant bacteria or persistent viruses like feline calicivirus, which can remain infectious on surfaces for several days.
3. Management of circulation flows: The organization of flows within the veterinary facility plays a vital role in preventing cross-contamination. Flows of “clean” (non-infected) and “dirty” (suspected or infected) animals must be strictly separated. This can be achieved spatially, with distinct pathways, or temporally, by scheduling the care of infected animals after those of others. Special attention must be paid to critical areas like operating theatres, where access should be limited to strictly necessary personnel to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens.
4. Rigorous disinfection of surfaces and equipment: Surfaces in contact with animals must be regularly disinfected using appropriate detergent-disinfectant products. Cleaning should be conducted from the cleanest to the dirtiest to avoid disseminating microorganisms. Equipment used for invasive procedures, such as catheters or surgical instruments, must also undergo strict disinfection after each use.
5. Control of air and surface quality: Managing air quality in sensitive areas such as operating theatres, kennels, or endoscopy rooms can reduce the risk of airborne infections. Air purification systems like EOLIS Air Manager help limit the presence of infectious particles in the air while also sanitising surfaces. Regular checks of critical points, such as high-contact surfaces and medical equipment, can also help identify and eliminate sources of contamination before they spread.