COVID-19 Protocol For the Conduct of Ambulatory Consultations by the Ballarat Veterinary Practice Equine Clinic

The health and wellbeing of our veterinarians, staff and clients are of utmost importance. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are raising the level of our healthy practice procedures. We are following the recommendations provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee.

In order to reduce the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 during visits to our ambulatory veterinarians to your property, the Ballarat Veterinary Practice Equine Clinic requests that you are not present during any examination of your horse if you are unwell and in particular if you have the following symptoms:

 

  • Fever – a temperature of 37.5°C or higher
  • Cough and/or sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Have travelled to an area of active COVID-19 transmission within the previous two weeks
  • Have been in contact with another person diagnosed with COVID-19 infection

Please arrange for another person without these symptoms to handle your horse during any visit by our veterinarians.

Please note that the following protocols are now in place:

  • We will call ahead prior to arrival at your property and stables.
  • Please do not be offended, but our staff have been instructed to follow a no-hand-shake policy, keep a distance of 1.5 meters from each other when working and meeting with clients. Hand sanitization between all client interactions is required.
  • Could you please ensure anyone handling your horses is practising good hand hygiene.
  • We request that the number of individuals attending an appointment be limited to one owner or handler per horse. Additional owners can be asked to join the appointment via FaceTime or speakerphone.
  • We will ensure that our ambulatory vehicles and equipment are cleaned using appropriate disinfectants for COVID-19.
  • It may be possible to conduct telemedicine (facetime, video or photo) rechecks for patients.

 

The following resources provide credible guidance regarding COVID-19 and overall community safety measures:

Many thanks for your understanding and assistance during this very challenging time.

The Partners and Staff

Ballarat Veterinary Practice Equine Clinic

Equine Emergency?

If you have an AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY between the hours of 6pm and 8am only please call us at this number.

Equine Emergency Number

03 5334 6756