With so much information out there about coronavirus, it's easy to get confused, so let's look at some of the key areas which directly affect our much-loved pets.
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INFECTION RISKS
According to the World Organisation for Animals Health (OIE), while it is believed the virus originated in an animal, there is no evidence to date that companion animals play a role in the transmission of the disease.
The primary route for transmission around the globe has been human to human.
When it comes to the capacity for our pets to catch the disease from humans, there have been several reported cases internationally, but the OIE describes these as 'isolated' and investigations are still ongoing; the important point to note here is that if infection has occurred it has been human to animal and not the other way around.
A trend that does seem to be emerging through laboratory testing is that cats and to a lesser degree, ferrets, appear susceptible to the illness. Dogs also can be infected but to a lesser extent.
However, to put things in perspective, potential cases from the global community (as of April 6, 2020) involve two dogs, two cats and several lions and tigers from the Bronx Zoo, all of which had contact with an infected human.
There have been no reported incidents in Australia.
Compare this with the more than two million humans officially infected with COVID-19 globally across every continent, except Antarctica, in 185 countries.
This does not count the many who may be asymptomatic or undiagnosed.
It is therefore unlikely that companion animals will readily become infected with the virus.
However, the OIE, along with other organisations like the Centres for Disease Control and RSPCA Australia, recommend that if you are sick with COVID-19 you should:
- Limit your contact with your pets and that includes kissing them, allowing them to lick you and sharing food. Ideally stay in a designated sick room, away from pets and other human householders.
- Where possible have another family member care for your pet for the duration of your illness.
- If you must care for your pet, practise good hygiene including hand washing before and after handling their food or the animal itself, bedding and other items like toys. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
- If there is a sick individual in your home, do not allow your pets to interact with people outside the household.
- If your pet becomes unwell, call your vet (who is classed as an essential worker) as soon as possible to discuss your options.
INFECTION PREVENTION
If you and your household are healthy but are choosing to socially distance yourselves, there are several tips for protecting the whole family.
- Limit the number of times you walk the dog, for how long and where you go. Stay local and avoid dog parks and other public areas and always walk your dog on-leash.
- Do not allow your dog to come into contact with any other person or dog during your walks and maintain the required 1.5 metres distance.
- When you return, wash your hands thoroughly and perhaps wash your dog's paws with dog shampoo as well.
- Keep your cat confined to your property and prevent them interacting with other households for food or social contact. Ensure you meet their needs in terms of toys, food and litter trays in this time.
- If you have a neighbourhood feline visitor that looks well fed and clearly owned, do not feed them. If the animal looks underweight or unwell, try to contact the owner first. If it is unowned and unwell, leave food outside and contact your local animal welfare shelter.
Further reading:
Australian Veterinary Association - ava.com.au/coronavirus/