[Infection control and hygiene management in equine hospitals].

This research focuses on the vital need for heightened infection control and hygiene management in equine hospitals, especially due to the growing concern of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. These infections are often linked to multi-drug resistant pathogens, further complicating treatment and making prevention programs crucial.

Need for Increased Biosecurity in Equine Hospitals

• Biosecurity has become a core concern in equine hospitals as nosocomial infections have risen in prominence. These hospital-acquired infections pose a significant risk to equine patients.
• These infections are typically associated with multi-drug resistant pathogens, which are difficult to treat, making prevention efforts even more important. And as nosocomial infections are usually multifactorial events, implementing just one measure is usually not effective for their prevention.

Pathogens Threatening Equine Hospitals

• Equine patients may enter the hospital already colonized by dangerous pathogens. These can include bacteria such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Regardless of their individual resistant properties, they often go unnoticed as they tend to colonize the nasopharynx or intestinal tract.
• Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and EHV-4 present another threat as they may arrive with patients that are latently infected or in the incubation period. These viruses can lead to outbreaks within the hospital if unchecked.

Preventing Nosocomial Outbreaks in Equine Hospitals

• Professional management is touted as the solution to preventing nosocomial outbreaks, breaking infection chains, and eradicating infectious agents from the hospital environment.
• This management should be multifaceted, addressing the wide range of pathogens causing such infections and accommodating the individual needs of the equine patients.
• This approach should include risk classification of equine patients upon admission, informing animal owners about risk and prevention at discharge, efficient management of inpatients, targeted hygiene management, clear responsibilities on biosecurity, and proactive surveillance of nosocomial infections.