Practical and efficacious biosecurity

In the USA, approximately 90,000 people die annually from hospital acquired infection (HAI). HAIs are a substantial focus of quality assurance and control in all human hospitals, and standardised scores for HAI metrics are closely linked to governmental reimbursements. In human healthcare, this has become a profound driver for the implementation of an effective infection control programme (ICP). At the heart of any effective ICP is knowledge of the risks, accurate data collection in your hospital, and the existence of an unbiased, empowered biosecurity officer. In veterinary facilities providing tertiary care to critically ill animals, we must take an active role in developing infection control strategies that protect our patients, the personnel who take care of them, and our entire hospital. An effective ICP helps provide the best patient care, ensures a safe working environment for employees and clients, and protects the hospital from financial loss and possible litigation ...