Handler training improves decontamination of working canines with oil-based exposure in field conditions using disposable kits

Abstract

Exposure to contaminants in the field is a reality for deployed canines. To date, there is no data evaluating the benefits of training for handlers associated with canine decontamination efforts. The objective of our work was to investigate the impact of handler training on the reduction of oil-based contaminants in working canines. Canine teams (n = 10) were randomly assigned to either TRAINED or UNTRAINED groups. Each team (handler and dog) in the TRAINED group received 30-minutes of interactive training using an illustrated guide on proper utilization of equipment provided. Teams in the UNTRAINED group received the same equipment and illustrated guide but no interactive training. Decontamination efforts were measured using an oil-based pseudo-contaminant (GloGerm®, Moab, UT) topically applied to four anatomical locations: cranial neck, between the shoulder blades, left medial hindlimb and left hind paw with pre- and post-washing images collected from a fixed distance of 20 inches. Visual assessment of contaminant reduction was scored as follows: 0 = <24% contaminant reduction; 1 = 25–50% contaminant reduction; 2 = 51–75% contaminant reduction; and 3 = >76% contaminant reduction. No score discrepancies >1 were reported between reviewers. Trained handlers were more effective at contamination reduction (P = .0093) as compared to their untrained counterparts. These results indicate that handlers, when properly trained, can achieve reduction of oil-based contaminants with a disposable decontamination kit and a garden hose.

Removal of Aerosolized Contaminants from Working Canines via a Field Wipe-Down Procedure

“…While previous work has shown that working canines are readily exposed to and contaminated with oil-based agents through direct contact [ 10 , 11 ], we are only just starting to understand the risk of contamination with water-based aerosols present in the environment. A simple field-expedient wipe-down procedure utilizing disposable towels saturated with 7.5% povidone-iodine solution may effectively reduce the burden of water-based aerosol contaminant on the coats of working canines without adversely affecting dermal pH.…”

“…Fluorescence, indicative of simulated aerosol contamination, was documented in each of the quadrants on the dorsal aspect of the canine following wipe-down and compared with the control quadrant via digital imaging using a Canon T5i DSLR (Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan) camera positioned 45 cm (±5) from the canine. The removal of droplets (i.e., physical reduction of simulated contaminant) was scored as fluorescence reduction utilizing a method previously published [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The scoring method was applied utilizing two blinded and independent reviewers with 82% agreement.…”

Removal of Aerosolized Contaminants from Working Canines Via a Field Wipe-Down Procedure

“…While previous work has shown that working canines are readily exposed to and contaminated with oil-based agents through direct contact (5,6), we are only just starting to understand the risk of contamination with water-based aerosols present in the environment. A simple field-expedient wipe-down procedure utilizing disposable towels saturated with 7.5% povidone-iodine solution may effectively reduce the burden of water-based aerosol contaminant on the coats of working canines without adversely affecting dermal pH.…”

Retos operacionales en Colombia para la búsqueda y localización de personas con equipos caninos

“…Los caninos de trabajo están frecuentemente expuestos a ambientes peligrosos con alto potencial de contaminación (Perry et al, 2020). La contaminación ambiental puede ocurrir de muchas maneras (química, biológica, radiológica o nuclear) (Powell et al, 2019). Por otra parte, en casos de terremotos pueden existir rupturas de tuberías que ocasionan contaminación por microorganismos, represamiento de aguas o productos químicos industriales tóxicos como el cloruro de hidrógeno, el amoníaco o el tolueno que pueden afectar al equipo canino (Perry, 2021).…”