In people and animals, infectious diseases are an important cause of mortality and morbidity, along with economic costs and emotional burdens associated with treatment and loss of life. Endemic and emerging contagious infectious diseases are a significant challenge to animal and human populations, a true One Health phenomenon.
Infection prevention in human and animal health encompasses a multitude of activities such as: education, vaccination, population management, surveillance, early diagnostics, cleaning and disinfection and antibiotic stewardship.
An important, and sometimes overlooked, aspect of preventing infectious diseases is that it is not just important at the hospital or farm level. Due to the interconnectedness across the world, the prevention of diseases is a true global endeavor.
In order to successfully implement an infection prevention program at any level, leadership with a collaborative, cooperative and co-opetitive mid set are paramount for success.
I look forward to speaking and discussing at #AVMA2019 on the importance of leadership in infection prevention. I hope to see you there on Sunday August 4th 2019 at 10 am.
