ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Guelph, ON. May 25th, 2009 - A state-of-the-art large-animal isolation unit that will set a new standard in patient housing and infection control opened today at the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College.

In the isolation facility, potentially infectious animals will be separated from other patients, especially horses that are being admitted for elective medical/surgical evaluations or other procedures. Animals showing signs of infectious disease will immediately be directed to the isolation unit.

The 9,000-square-foot facility includes 12 separated stalls — each with its own nursing station — video monitoring from a central station and sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Each stall has dual access with interior and exterior doors, which will improve the efficiency and working conditions for staff and clinicians.

Ribbon cutting of the opening of the Large Animal Isolation Unit.
Left to right:
Dr. Elizabeth Stone, OVC dean,
Dr. Alastair Summerlee, President University of Guelph and
Dr. Tom Baker, Director, Animal Health and Welfare Branch, OMAFRA.

                        Photo Credit: Jean Burrows, Ontario Veterinary College

"It's very exciting to be opening the doors of this long-awaited facility," said OVC dean Elizabeth Stone. "We've always provided innovative health-care services, and this new unit gives our clients yet another reason to be confident in our ability to provide the best care possible."

Located in the southwest corner of the OVC complex, the isolation facility serves as the anchor for the new OVC Health Sciences Centre, which will include the new Pathobiology Building and Animal Health Laboratory and the Hill's Pet Nutrition Primary Healthcare Centre, both scheduled for completion in 2010; an animal cancer care centre; an equine sports medicine and reproduction centre; and other improvements to the OVC Teaching Hospital.

Construction of the isolation centre was funded through infrastructure grants from the federal and provincial governments, with additional support from the University.

For media questions, contact U of G Communications and Public Affairs:

Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338 ,
or
Barry Gunn, Ext. 56982