Disease Outbreak Protocol

A dog in the kennel shows signs of infectious disease (vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, fever, or unusual behaviour).

Move the dog to the isolation facility. Use PPE (gloves, apron). Do not allow other dogs to enter the isolation area. Use separate bowls, bedding, cleaning equipment. Document the time of isolation and the signs observed.

Call the registered vet (number on the fridge). State: dog name, signs, duration, your suspicion. Follow the vet's advice (treatment on site / transport to clinic).

Notify the owner of the affected dog. Notify owners of dogs in adjacent units. If the disease is notifiable, notify the local authority (the vet will advise if notifiable).

Monitor the affected dog every 2 hours. Monitor all other dogs in the kennel for similar signs. Record temperatures twice daily for all dogs. Document any new cases.

Destroy all bedding from the isolation facility (or wash separately at min 90°C with disinfectant). Scrub the isolation facility with full-strength disinfectant. Leave empty for 7 days (or as vet advises). Re-clean before re-use.

Complete the IRF within 24 hours. Record the disease, the action taken, the outcome. Review the cleaning schedule and the PHP. If the outbreak involved multiple dogs, consider whether to close the kennel temporarily.

— Rabies

— Distemper

— Some forms of parvovirus (in specific circumstances)

Check the APHA website for the current list. The vet will advise on reporting.