Dr Angela Willemsen1
1The Clean Vet
Biography:
Angela is a veterinarian in Brisbane, Australia, who loves all things infection prevention and control (IPC). She began her veterinary career working in small animal practice and continues to provide home-based palliative and end of life care.
Her first career as a (human) registered nurse laid the foundation for IPC and her interest in public health. This strongly influenced her transition into veterinary medicine, where she developed a keen interest in IPC, zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. Angela has mentored veterinary practices and also works as a Research Officer in Public Health at The University of Queensland (UQ), with a focus on One Health.
Her PhD from UQ explored IPC in small animal veterinary practices with a key outcome being the development of the ACIPC Veterinary Foundations of IPC Course, designed to address gaps and improve IPC across the veterinary profession.
She is an active member of the AVA Australian Veterinarians in Public Health SIG, ASID Zoonotic Diseases SIG, PHAA One Health SIG, APIC Veterinary SIG, and the ACIPC Veterinary SIG.
Abstract:
When people think of animals visiting healthcare organisations, residential aged care facilities or schools, they often focus on the risks that animals may pose to humans. Less frequently considered are the risks that humans may pose to animals. This is particularly important when pathogens can move between humans, animals and the environment. Colonisation and infection are not always restricted to a single species, and close contact may facilitate pathogen transmission. Recognising the bidirectional nature of disease transmission is essential for implementing infection prevention and control measures that protect both human and animal health.
The benefits that animals offer to human health and wellbeing are well recognised. By improving our understanding of zooanthroponotic risks and implementing a One Health approach, we can minimise opportunities for disease transmission and create safer environments for both people and animals, while continuing to enjoy the many benefits that animal-assisted interactions can provide.