CDC releases nine-step infection control plan for veterinarians

The most common route for transmission of monkeypox from animals to humans appears to be direct contact with infected animals; however, the possibility of airborne transmission cannot be excluded, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. When examining animals with suspected monkeypox, veterinarians and staff should use the following precautions outlined in the government agency's report, updated this year:

• 1. Hand hygiene after all contact with a sick animal and contaminated surfaces should be enforced.

• 2. Use of gown and gloves for any contact with the sick animal and contaminated surfaces.

• 3. Use eye protection (e.g., tight-fitting goggles or face shield) if splash or spray of body fluids is likely.

• 4. Use respiratory protection, including a filtering disposable respirator, for entering the exam room or patient care area. Most veterinary clinics will not have proper respirators. (For information about respirators, visit the

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox

). If respirators are not available for veterinary personnel, surgical masks should be worn to protect against transmission through contact or large droplets.

• 5. Contain and dispose of contaminated waste after consultation with state or local health officials. Do not dispose of such waste in landfills or dumps.

• 6. Handle used patient-care equipment in a manner that prevents contamination of skin and clothing. Ensure that used equipment has been cleaned and reprocessed appropriately.

• 7. Ensure that procedures are in place for cleaning and disinfecting contaminated environmental surfaces. Any EPA-registered hospital detergent-disinfectant currently used by healthcare facilities for environmental sanitation can be used. Manufacturer recommendations for dilution (i.e., concentration), contact time and care in handling should be followed.

• 8. Laundry can be washed in a standard washing machine with hot water and detergent. The use of chlorine bleach during hot-water washing can provide an added measure of safety. Care should be used when handling soiled laundry to avoid direct contact with contaminated material. Soiled laundry should not be shaken or otherwise handled in a manner that might aerosolize infectious particles.

• 9. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected. Standard household cleaners or disinfectants can be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. The animal's bedding, cage, toys, or food and water bowls should not be disposed of with the clinic trash or at a dump or landfill because this material may be potentially infectious; contact the state or local health department for further instructions. Items that cannot be disposed of should be disinfected as contaminated surfaces.