Читать книгу Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters - Группа авторов - Страница 63

The design of long‐term housing (i.e. for confinement in the shelter for more than two weeks) should provide space that is mentally and physically stimulating and preferably esthetically pleasing (an important consideration to facilitate adoption). Alternatives to traditional cage housing (such as large runs) should be provided; enriched single or group housing is indicated. Though not always easy to accomplish in busy shelters, at an absolute minimum, healthy cats that are cage housed should be allowed a daily opportunity to exercise and explore in a secure enriched setting that can be easily disinfected. Biosecurity measures must be adhered to when providing enrichment opportunities for cats with an infectious disease such as URI or dermatophytosis. In some situations, outdoor enclosures may also be suitable for cats. Benefits include ample exposure to natural light and mental stimulation. Galvanized wire chain link panels (including a top panel) or specially designed fencing for cat enclosures (e.g. Purrfect Fence, http://www.purrfectfence.com) may be used (Griffin 2006).

Likewise, dogs should be provided with regular daily out‐of‐kennel time for physical exercise and appropriate social interactions. Outdoor enclosures provide opportunities for fresh air and exercise, as well as mental and social stimulation. If outdoor play enclosures are not available, dogs should be walked outside at least twice a day by experienced staff or volunteers who can ensure the dogs will not escape, transmit disease, bite or fight with other dogs they may encounter.

Co‐housing affords animals with opportunities for healthy social contact with conspecifics, and when properly managed can help to meet their social needs, enhancing welfare. In fact, many animals can benefit from being housed with a compatible animal, provided there is sufficient space to distance themselves from each other, ready access to feeding, resting and elimination areas, and an adequate number of comfortable resting and hiding places. Family groups and previously bonded housemates are natural choices for co‐housing, but unfamiliar animals who are compatible with one another may also be carefully selected for co‐housing. Daily behavioral monitoring by staff trained to detect signs of social stress, bullying and incompatibilities is essential for success. Housing compatible animals in pairs or small groups (e.g. 3–4 animals) affords them the opportunity for healthy interactions and to build social relationships. Pair housing or small groupings facilitate effective monitoring and reduce the risk of conflict and infectious disease transmission. Grouping animals randomly or that are poorly compatible, fight with one another, or that bully others are unacceptable practices. Larger groups increase the odds of social conflict among animals. Similarly, the constant introduction of new animals and crowding induce stress and therefore should be minimized to ensure proper welfare.

Finally, “real life” rooms (e.g. rooms with a homelike environment) away from the kennel or cattery are useful, especially for those animals that remain in the shelter long‐term.