We have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The article Risk reduction and management strategies to prevent transmission of infectious disease among dogs at dog shows, sporting events, and other canine group settings provides a series of 64 recommendations focused on group settings from multi-dog households to large dog shows. They’re a worth reviewing.
Source: , September 1, 2016. Table of contents and links to abstracts only.
From the conclusions in the article referenced above:
An important (and unmet) need exists for veterinarians to partner with other stakeholders in canine group settings to ensure successful development, implementation, and training of staff in prevention and risk mitigation recommendations that protect both dog and human health. Although not a specific objective of the recommendation development process and outcomes reported here, it is important to acknowledge that many of the pathogens important in canine group settings also cause disease in people. The recommendations reported here and others specific to prevention of human disease in animal settings are also important to ensure the health and safety of people attending, participating in and working in canine group settings.
INSIGHTS: We believe that some of these recommendations apply to puppy classes in veterinary hospitals, retail locations, dog exercise areas and busy parks. Veterinary teams will better serve clients’ pets when individual pet risk assessments are performed annually. AAHA provides resources to help with Health Risk Assessments.