KEEP CALM & COVID ON
GAWS Head Vet Dr Julia: COVID-19 and our pets
As we gradually come to terms with the implications of COVID-19 and its impact on the community, there can be a lot of misinformation regarding the virus. I’d like to take the time to address some myths surrounding concerns that our beloved pets can to transmit the virus to humans.
There are many strains of coronavirus that have been present in a range of animals for a very long time. The strains that affect animals are different to COVID-19 and it is only the COVID-19 strain that is currently affecting humans.
To-date, there is no evidence to suggest that a companion animal can spread the virus, the current spread is a result of human to human transmission. While there have been reports of a dog in China testing positive to COVID-19, this was due to the virus being found in the nasal cavity after being in direct contact with an infected person. Ultimately the dog was cleared.
The WHO, AVA, OEI and CDC continue to recommend that pets stay with their humans. If their human does contract the virus they should limit contact with their pets. Ideally, while they are unwell another member of their household should care for the animal and practice good hygiene.