Infection prevention and control interventions in the first outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in an equine hospital in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: The first outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in horses in Sweden occurred in 2008 at the University Animal Hospital and highlighted the need for improved infection prevention and control. The present study describes interventions and infection prevention control in an equine hospital setting July 2008 - April 2010. METHOD: This descriptive study of interventions is based on examination of policy documents, medical records, notes from meetings and cost estimates. MRSA cases were identified through clinical sampling and telephone enquiries about horses post-surgery. Prospective sampling in the hospital environment with culture for MRSA and genotyping of isolates by spa-typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed. RESULTS: Interventions focused on interruption of indirect contact spread of MRSA between horses via staff and equipment and included: Temporary suspension of elective surgery; and identification and isolation of MRSA-infected horses; collaboration was initiated between authorities in animal and human public health, human medicine infection control and the veterinary hospital; extensive cleaning and disinfection was performed; basic hygiene and cleaning policies, staff training, equipment modification and interior renovation were implemented over seven months.Ten (11%) of 92 surfaces sampled between July 2008 and April 2010 tested positive for MRSA spa-type 011, seven of which were from the first of nine sampling occasions. PFGE typing showed the isolates to be the outbreak strain (9 of 10) or a closely related strain. Two new cases of MRSA infection occurred 14 and 19 months later, but had no proven connections to the outbreak cases. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration between relevant authorities and the veterinary hospital and formation of an infection control committee with an executive working group were required to move the intervention process forward. Support from hospital management and the dedication of staff were essential for the development and implementation of new, improved routines. Demonstration of the outbreak strain in the environment was useful for interventions such as improvement of cleaning routines and interior design, and increased compliance with basic hygienic precautions. The interventions led to a reduction in MRSA-positive samples and the outbreak was considered curbed as no new cases occurred for over a year.

Legal implications of understaffing of specialty departments of veterinary teaching hospitals.

When a case is referred to a specialty practice, the assumption is that the practice has the appropriate specialists, equipment, staff, and facility necessary to provide the required medical care. But what if the appropriate specialist is not available when the patient arrives?

Classificação dos resíduos de serviços de saúde de um hospital veterinário / Classification of health services waste from a veterinary hospital

O trabalho avalia aspectos referentes à classificação e segregação dos resíduos gerados no Hospital Veterinário da Ulbra (RS), a partir de estudos realizados para a elaboração do Plano de Gerenciamento dos Resíduos de Serviço de Saúde (PGRSS), para a instituição. O plano foi baseado na resolução RDC nº 306/2004 da ANVISA (Brasil, 2004), que define as diretrizes para o manejo dos resíduos de instituições de saúde, incluindo a segregação, coleta, armazenamento, transporte interno e externo, tratamento e disposição final. A partir da caracterização, classificação e do diagnóstico das atividades de manejo dos resíduos do hospital, foi possível avaliar a importância da segregação, no local de origem, para a redução de resíduos que necessitam de tratamentos especiais, bem como para a redução de riscos de propagação de doenças.

This work evaluates some referring aspects to the residues classification and segregation generated in Ulbra's Veterinary Hospital (RS), starting from studies accomplished in the elaboration of a Residues Health Service Management Plan (PGRSS), for the institution. The plan was based on RDC nº 306/2004 ANVISA's Resolution (Brasil, 2004), that defines the guidelines for handling the health institutions residues, including the segregation, collection, storage, internal and external transportation, treatment and final disposition. From the characterization, classification and the diagnostic handling activities of hospital residues, it was possible to evaluate the segregation importance, in the origin location, for the residues reduction that need special treatments, as well as for the risks reduction of diseases propagation.

Property issues in practice.

This article discusses legal issues relating to property ownership. The primary focus is on land use control laws such as zoning ordinances. Cases involving legal questions over the location and operation of veterinary clinics are discussed. An explanation of how land use contracts work and how veterinarians may encounter them is included. The application of nuisance law is reviewed, and representative cases are discussed. Also included is a discussion of property liability issues and what veterinarians can do to avoid litigation.