The Clean Vet

10/04/2026

Looking for some World Hand Hygiene Day resources?

The 2026 theme is 'Action saves lives'.

Why does this matter? Because most healthcare-associated (nosocomial) infections are a result of healthcare providers not washing their hands!

Here is a free A3 poster for you:https://www.acipc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ACIPC_WHHD-2026_A3-Poster-Veterinary.pdf

The link for the ACIPC page is in the comments.😉

09/04/2026

“I didn’t realise how complacent I had become—popping into surgery in overalls, or taking dirty equipment through treatment areas.”
— Large animal veterinarian, 2026

Does this sound familiar?

Could everyday habits like these be increasing infection risks in your practice?
The ACIPC Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course is just around the corner.

Only $1820 for non members | $1520 for ACIPC members

See why previous participants believe at least one person in every veterinary practice should complete this course.

Link in comments for details and enrolment.

09/04/2026

Greetings all!
Apologies in advance — I’m not very good at regular social media posts ☺️
I’m currently writing my very first The Clean Vet newsletter. It will include a “Did you know…?” section, as well as answers to questions I’m frequently asked.
I’d love to know: what would you like to read about?
Do you have any veterinary infection prevention and control questions you’d like answered?
Feel free to pop them below or send me a message.

30/11/2025

🥽🧴😷🐕🐮🐴🐷🦘🐈This World AMR Awareness Week we encourage you to review your Infection Prevention and Control or Biosecurity plan.

04/11/2025

It has never been more important to embrace One Health approaches to effectively manage infectious and zoonotic diseases. Continual habitat creep is further reducing the distance between wildlife in their home, farm animals and humans.

Graphics by Nic Willemsen

15/10/2025

IPC Week 2025: Standing Up for Infection Prevention in Veterinary Practice

his IPC Week, we’re not just celebrating best practices—we’re aligning with a global movement. The Lancet’s One Health Commission (link in comments), now embedded in international agreements and policy frameworks, has redefined health as a property of socio-ecological systems. For veterinary professionals, this means infection prevention is no longer a siloed concern—it’s a cornerstone of planetary health.
Veterinary practice sits at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. With over 70% of emerging infectious diseases being zoonotic, the role of vets in surveillance, prevention, and education is more critical than ever.
This IPC Week, we stand up for:
• Integrated surveillance: Monitoring animal health is now part of global pandemic preparedness.
• Antimicrobial stewardship: Combatting resistance through responsible prescribing and education.
• Environmental hygiene: Clean clinics and sustainable waste management protect ecosystems.
• Climate-aware practice: Recognizing how environmental shifts affect disease patterns.
• Cross-sector collaboration: Working with public health, agriculture, and environmental bodies to build resilience.
The One Health framework urges us to embed infection prevention in all policies, from clinic protocols to national biosecurity strategies. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about leadership.
🧼🐾 Veterinary professionals are not just caregivers—they are guardians of global health.
Let’s use IPC Week 2025 to reaffirm our commitment to safe, sustainable, and interconnected care.

06/07/2025

World Zoonoses Day - A day celebrating the anniversary of Louis Pasteur who successfully administered a rabies vaccine 6 July 1885 to a boy bitten by a dog.

Zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, have been documented as far back as Babylon, around 1930 BC — a reminder of their longstanding impact on human and animal health.
A One Health approach is needed to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases. Factors including collaboration and communication between animal, human and environmental health, effective infection control, and surveillance will contribute to reduced risk and a safer world for animals and humans.
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05/07/2025

Australian Bat Lyssa Virus (ABLV)
The 4th person to have contracted ABLV died in New South Wales.
Any bat may be positive so safety measures must be taken if you provide care to bats

You must have had a full series (3) of rabies vaccinations and your rabies antibody titre checked initially then every two years
Only vaccinated staff can care for bats
Wear long sleeves or arm guards/gauntlets and puncture resistant gloves to protect your foreams against bites and scratches
Eye Goggles or a face shield are recommended
Cover any cuts on your hands/arms with water resistant dressings
Hand hygiene before and after contact with the bat and before donning/doffing PPE
If you collect bats in the community, ensure you have hand sanitiser, PPE, waste bag, towel, box or container which can be secured

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) causes a rare but serious disease in humans. Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia should seek urgent medical attention. We monitor and report on human ABLV cases in our community.

30/03/2025

A nice summary of HPAI and risks to wildlife and humans. Targeted at the general public and easy to read.

Since 1959 the avian flu virus H5N1 has been popping up around the globe. Now scientists believe it could spark the next pandemic.

05/03/2025

Become a Champion of Infection prevention and control!
infection control is more crucial than ever. 🦠 Whether you work in a clinic, a large animal practice, government, or a wildlife hospital ANYWHERE in the WORLD - the ACIPC Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course is your chance to increase your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and protect both animals and humans. 🌍🐶
🌟 Why You Should Enrol: ✅ Stay Ahead of the Curve: Learn infection control foundations to protect your patients and your team. ✅ Enhance Your Career: Infection control expertise is a highly valued skill in veterinary practices—stand out in your field! ✅ Safeguard Animals and Humans: Prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and create a safer, healthier environment for all. ✅ Veterinary focused: Case histories and examples within the veterinary context.
🐾 Who Should Enrol? Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, animal care staff – anyone who works with animals!
The pilot course has already made a huge impact – now it’s your turn!
Click here https://www.acipc.org.au/education/veterinary-foundations-of-ipc/ for information about the course and scholarships.