Coronavirus & Pets
With the current outbreak of COVID-19 or Coronavirus, many pet owners are fearful that this virus could affect their pets. Pet Insurance Australia takes a look at the facts and investigates if pets can actually spread this virus.
āItās very concerning to hear of reports that some companion animalsā welfare is at stake from false information floating around in regard to companion animals and their ability to spread this virus,ā Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. āTo date, the spread of COVID-19 is from human to human only and there is no evidence that companion animals spread the disease and very limited evidence that pets can even be infected with it.*ā
TheĀ World Organisation for Animal Health and WSAVA Global Veterinary Community and One Health Committees have been busy investigating, monitoring and suggesting good advice when it comes to our companion animals around this outbreak.
āThe good news is that we have many top scientists and veterinary specialists from around the world monitoring this,ā Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.Ā
WSAVA also states that the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission. āTo date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.ā
PIA is urging all pet owners to be sensible during this time and keep updated with the facts. If you are concerned about the welfare of any companion animal to report it as quickly as possible.
āSome people are getting rather erratic and behaving in very unusual ways since the outbreak,ā Crighton says. āSadly this could seriously affect the welfare and safety of some of our companion animals.ā
PIA suggests only sourcing information from reputable websites and not social media or unreliable/fake news.
āLook at the research and educate yourself on this topic,ā Crighton says. āThe leaders in this research are WSAVA, TheĀ World Organisation for Animal Health, TheĀ Global Veterinary Community,Ā One Health CommitteesĀ and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention,ā Crighton says. āTrust in the experts on this topic and keep yourself updated with the facts.ā
WHAT IF I GET SICK?
There are some guidelines if you do catch COVID-19 in regard to your companion animals.
āThere are some recommendations from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention that if you are sick or become sick with COVID-19 to avoid contact with your pet, as you would other people,ā Crighton says. āThis is more of a precautionary move until more information is known about the virus**.ā
WSAVA advises to ask a family member or friend to care for your pet if you do become sick, or if unable to do so, practice very good hygiene.
āBasic things like ensuring you wash your hands when handling your pets food or supplies and avoiding kissing, licking or sharing food,ā Crighton says. āAlso consider utilising a face mask for yourself.ā
āMost importantly stay calm and ensure your pet is well looked after and be prepared that if you do get sick, you have everything your pet needs,ā Crighton says. āHaving extra pet food and pet medications on hand is always a good idea, particularly coming into the flu season.ā
Ā **https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#2019-nCoV-and-animals
Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.
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