The Health Service Executive (HSE) has notified the Veterinary Council of an outbreak of Corynebacterium Ulcerans in domestic cats.

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans, is a zoonotic disease which produces a Diphtheria like toxin and may produce a Diphtheria like illness in humans. As such, any humans who come into contact with infected animals may be at risk of diphtheria.

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease usually affecting the tonsils, pharynx, larynx and occasionally the skin. The disease can be fatal – between 5% and 10% of humans infected with diphtheria die.

The HSE have therefore advised that any veterinary staff who suspect Corynebacterium ulcerans in an animal wear appropriate droplet precaution personal protective equipment when handling the animal.

Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease and is given as part of the childhood immunisation schedule in Ireland. However, even among those who have been vaccinated, immunity decreases with age; approximately 65% of the Irish population over 30 years of age may be susceptible to diphtheria.

The HSE have recommended that additional boosters are given every 10 years of life to maintain immunity for those at particular risk of infection. This includes veterinary staff.

The HSE recommend that veterinary staff attend for a booster vaccination of Tdap (Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) every 10 years. If veterinary staff have not received their primary course of DTap vaccinations, it is strongly recommended that they consider attending their GP for vaccination now.

These recommendations are being made as part of obligations under the Infectious Disease Regulations 1981 and further information can be obtained directly from the Health Service Executive

Further information on diphtheria and diphtheria vaccinations can be found on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) websites, linked below.

 

HPSC: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vaccinepreventable/diphtheria/factsheets/ 

NIAC: www.rcpi.ie/Healthcare-Leadership/NIAC/Immunisation-Guidelines-for-Ireland