Infection Control – Veterinary Clinic

• Because of the risk of disease transmission to their owners, treated cats should not be sent home until clinical improvement is evident.
• Hospitalize and place in isolation, especially if there is evidence of pneumonia.
• The duration of infectivity in treated cats has not been studied, but cats are thought to be noninfectious after 48 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy with evidence of clinical improvement.
• A flea control product that kills fleas on contact, such as fipronil, or pyrethrin, should be applied to the cat and premises.
• Every case of cat plague represents a potential risk for human exposure and illness. Acquiring primary pneumonic plague from cats is a particular risk for veterinarians, their assistants, and pet owners.