WSAVA offers guidance about pets and the coronavirus outbreak

Willee Cole / stock.adobe.com

The coronavirus outbreak that originated in China in late December has caused great concern throughout the world—with reports of animals being abandoned or killed because their owners fear they might carry the virus—and many questions about the virus’s spread among people and animals remain unanswered.

To help veterinary professionals answer questions from clients about the virus, initially named 2019-nCoV and now known as COVID-19, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has created an advisory document that includes frequently asked questions.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can be found in both animals and humans, but each type is different. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while COVID-19 can be transmitted between people, there is no evidence at present that any animals have been infected or have spread the virus, although admittedly “this is a rapidly evolving situation.”

Much about COVID-2019 remains unknown, said WSAVA President Shane Ryan, BVSc (Hons), MVS, CVA, GradDipAnimChiro, MChiroSc, MRCVS, in a press release, “and while the priority is to bring the outbreak of the infection caused to people under control as soon as possible, we are concerned for animal welfare.”

To help ease fear and confusion among pet owners, WSAVA calls on veterinarians to urge pet owners not to panic and to reiterate that it is highly unlikely that COVID-19 will be transmitted through their pet.

WSAVA One Health Committee Chair Michael Lappin, DVM, recommends that veterinarian offer clients this advice:

• Keep your pet with you if you are self-quarantined.
• Always keep cats indoors.
• If family or friends become hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, arrange for pets to be cared for outside the home.
• Contact your veterinarian at any time if you have questions or concerns.

WSAVA also notes that veterinarians should not use vaccines against canine enteric coronavirus, which are available in some global markets, as there is no evidence that these offer cross-protection against COVID-2019.

Veterinarians can download the full list of FAQs to have on hand when clients raise concerns about coronavirus. You can also direct them to online resources such as the World Organisation for Animal Health for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 related to animal health, or the GlobalData coronavirus dashboard, which contains breaking news and regional reports, maps and trackers, a timeline of events, social media tracking and another FAQ resource.

“We urge our members to ensure owners follow our guidance and keep themselves and their companion animals safe,” Dr. Ryan said.