Prevention of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Cat and Dog

The course aims to provide students with the basic notions of prevention, prophylaxis and management of the main infectious and parasitic diseases of dogs and cats including those caused by mycotic agents in different environments (home, breeding, animal shelter, veterinary clinic/hospital). Students will also acquire general skills relating to pathogens that can pose a risk to the individuals caring for or detaining the animals.

1. Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course, the student will acquire knowledges related to infectious diseases of domestic carnivores, including those caused by mycotic agents and the rules regarding their prevention and hygienic-sanitary management.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding useful for the identification of infectious diseases in dogs and cats. He/she will have to demonstrate that he/she can apply the general biosafety rules for their prevention and hygienic-sanitary management, particularly in breeding and medical-veterinary hospitalization facilities and in kennels or catteries.
3. Making judgments: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically present the information acquired. To his aim, specific practical activities and group work on general biosafety and biosecurity rules regarding prevention and hygienic-sanitary management of infectious and parasitic diseases will be proposed.
4. Communication: the student is expected to use scientifically appropriate language, in particular terminology referring to infectious and parasitic diseases of dogs and cats. The practical activities are intended to stimulate the ability to use specific terminology and the ability to discuss scientifically with peers.
5. Lifelong learning skills: the student must gain the ability to use acquired knowledge to interpret new epidemiological scenario and/or emerging pathogens, for instance searching scientific databases and critically organising new information.