One of the most important aspects of medical nursing is the provision of a safe environment for the recovery of the patient. This chapter aims to ensure that you are fully aware of the infectious diseases that may affect cats and dogs both in and out of the hospital ward. You should also be aware of the means and measures that may taken to prevent the spread of infection.

You will find other useful information in the following chapters:

• Part I - Chapter 2 - Animal Management & Hygiene (Module 2 - Kennel & Cattery Design, Construction & Maintenance, Module 3 - Quarantine and the Import & Export of Domestic Animals and Module 5 - Antiseptics & Disinfectants).
• Part II - Chapter 4 - Elementary Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology & Parasitology (all modules).

Learning Objectives
The learning objectives of this chapter are:

• To revise the common terms and definitions relating to the general subject of infectious diseases.
• To be able to recognise common infectious diseases that affect cats and dogs.
• To be able to recognise zoonotic diseases that affect cats and dogs.
• To be able to safely nurse a patient suffering from an infectious disease, without presenting a hazard to yourself, other patients and personnel.
• To recognise the importance of vaccinations.