Evaluation of Risk of Zoonotic Pathogen Transmission in a University-Based Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) Program.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Previous studies have shown that apparently healthy animals participating in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) have the potential to asymptomatically carry and even transmit zoonotic pathogens to people, which is of particular concern for therapy animal teams visiting healthcare settings. This two-part study was designed to investigate the risk of zoonotic pathogen transmission within a university-based AAI program as a combination of the prevalence of these pathogens in the animal population as well as the handlers' understanding of the risks of zoonoses in AAI and their adherence to infection control practices. Methods: In part one of the study, AAI program records were retrospectively reviewed and infectious disease screening test results were compiled from

SUBMITTER: Boyle SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6558202 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature