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Covid-19 and Pet Animals: What We Need to Know?

M. Ariful Islam, PhD
Executive Managing Editor, Research in Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Published by: AgroAID Foundation, Bangladesh; and Professor, Animal Welfare Research House, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The virus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) seems to be emerged initially from an animal source, but the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. To date, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) “there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any livestock can transmit COVID-19”. During this pandemic emergency, animals and people each need the support of the other. Therefore, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) stress that, at this time, as always, “it is important not to give in to anxiety and to keep on providing loving care for our pets”. So, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals, which may compromise their welfare.

Keywords: COVID-19, Pet Animals, Livestock, Animals, Vaccine

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: COVID-19, Vaccine

Objectives:

To determine the effect of COVID-19to Pet Animals and what we need to know.

Methodology:

Direct person-to-person contact is the most likely way that COVID19 is transmitted (e.g., being within 6 feet of an infected person) for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, the possibility exists for infection from contaminated surfaces (i.e., someone could touch a contaminated surface and then touch their face: nose, eyes, mouth), but that is believed to be a far less likely means of transmission. As time goes by, the amount of virus that is viable decreases on surfaces. If someone needs to go into a house to feed/water/walk a pet(s) from a COVID-19 house/apartment, the following steps are recommended to reduce the risk to the entering person: * Wear gloves and clothes that can be easily washed, * Bring a plastic bag, * Avoid as much as possible touching surfaces in the house, * As you leave the house put gloves into the plastic bag, * After you attend to the pet and go home, wash clothes and hands with soap and water for 20 secs. * Wearing a cloth mask can protect others from your respiratory secretions as you go out in public. If someone needs to take the pet(s) out of the house: * Wear gloves and clothes that can be easily washed, * Avoid as much as possible touching surfaces in the house, * Have a leash or carrier to use to put the pet in so the pet can be taken out of the house safely, * Keep pets together and isolated away from other pets for 14 days out of an abundance of caution, * Wash hands/clothes after leaving the house, * Wearing a cloth mask can protect others from your respiratory secretions as you go out in public. The WHO, OEI, and CDC continue to recommend that pets stay with their people and that people who are sick or infected limit contact with their pets. The following advices are recommended for COVID-19 patients living with pets: * Do not put personal protective equipment such as masks or other supplies on your pet. This won't protect them from exposure, and the PPE should be conserved for human healthcare providers. * Reduce your contact with your pet. Ideally, have someone else in the household provide basic care for your pet. If you are the only one who can provide basic care for your pet, wear a facemask when with them and wash your hands before and after contact. * Wash your hand for at least 20 second before touching your pet. * Avoid sneezing and coughing on or in the direction of your pet. * Maintain social distancing: Try to keep at least 3 feet (1 meter) away. * Avoid close contact, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. * Avoid prolonged contact such as napping or sleeping together in the same place. As with humans, there is no vaccine available against COVID-19 at this time. There is a canine coronavirus vaccine, but it is directed against another member of the coronavirus. Many dogs, for example, are vaccinated for another species of coronavirus as puppies. However, this vaccine does not cross protect for COVID-19. Though the Australian Veterinary Association does not recommend it even use for that virus.

Source of Information: Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 7, No. 1, April 2020 : 83-86

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v7i1.46834

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Based on currently available information, it is concluded that public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but so far there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus of COVID-19 to humans (as per WHO/CDC, to date 24 April 2020). Human outbreaks are driven by person to person contact. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. This is a rapidly evolving situation, thus we have to wait to get the new information. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.

Knowledge Management: Journal