Self-Assessment Checklists to Prepare for and Respond to Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms for Companion Animal Veterinary Facilities
This document is intended to help companion animal veterinary facilities evaluate their preparedness for carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) and guide response efforts if a CRO-positive animal is identified.
Checklist 1 focuses on proactive preparedness, helping facilities assess existing infection prevention and control (IPC) infrastructure, protocols, training programs, isolation practices, surveillance systems, and overall CRO readiness. It is recommended that veterinary facilities complete Checklist 1 before a CRO case or outbreak is identified and re-check it at least annually.
Checklist 2 is intended for use when responding to a suspected or confirmed CRO-positive animal and outlines key considerations for communication, patient isolation and management, enhanced infection control measures, case finding, and long-term management. Facilities should use Checklist 2 whenever a CRO-positive patient is identified or suspected.
These checklists are intended to serve as practical guidance tools and may be adapted based on facility size, patient population, workflow, and available resources.
CRO_Prepardness_and_Response_Checklists.pdf