The Next Big Bad Bug: Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)

There has been an alarming increase in the number of reports of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in companion animals worldwide. CRE are of significant animal and public health concern as they can cause severe opportunistic infections that are impossible to treat because they are often resistant to most, if not all, antimicrobial drugs. CRE are among the most significant infection control challenges that a veterinary practice can face. It is critical that veterinary practices know how to respond to CRE in order to protect the health of their patients, their clients and their staff. This session will highlight key steps in the response to CRE including: (1) isolation protocols, (2) ensuring laboratory confirmation, (3) informing public health officials and exposed humans, (4) stepping-up infection control strategies throughout facility, (5) identification of whether transmission has occurred and (6) perform environmental cleaning and disinfection. This session will also cover strategies to prepare for CRE at a veterinary pratcice including (1) determining if CRE is reportable in your region, (2) identifying stakeholders for you CRE response team, (3) identifying sources of funding for a response, (4) development of a system to flag CRE positive animals in the medical record, (5) ensuring a good foundation of infection control policies and (6) using antibiotics responsibly in your practice. This session will, lastly, introduce attendees to an online resource (CREATE) for veterinarians to battle CRE. Well-informed and prepared veterinarians and veterinary staff will be key to preventing the spread of these critically important organisms.