Recognizing Signs of Infectious Disease in Animal Shelters

Animals in shelters are at an increased risk of infectious disease due to stress, high-density housing, and potential immunocompromise. Along with strong vaccination and biosecurity protocols, early disease detection is one of the most critical pieces to preventing disease spread in a shelter. 

 

Intake and animal care staff are often the first to notice signs of disease. Quickly recognizing and reporting a disease's signs is key to stopping its transmission. Early detection of disease is also critical to preventing animal suffering. 

This poster, with photo examples, demonstrates the various signs of infectious diseases that shelter staff may encounter in their daily work. Display it wherever you house animals or anywhere infectious disease may be present.

Remember to alert your veterinarian for the next steps if you see any signs of infectious disease.