Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th September 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

WSAVA reports no new evidence of COVID-19 transmission from pets to humans
Although more pets will undoubtedly test positive over time, Dr Michael Lappin reminded veterinary professionals that numbers overall remain very small.

Vets urged to encourage owners not to relinquish infected animals

Speakers at a WSAVA webinar, held on September 15 2020, have appealed for kindness towards companion animals testing positive for SARS-Cov-2 and stressed that there is still no evidence of transmission from a companion animal to a human.

During the webinar, Dr Michael Lappin, chair of the WSAVA’s One Health Committee, confirmed that the virus is a reverse zoonoses, with humans passing SARS-Cov-2 to pets in the few cases that have been reported worldwide.

Dr Lappin went on to explain that experimental studies at Colorado State University have shown that both cats and dogs have demonstrated a ‘robust antibody response’, and typically display no symptoms. While dogs do not shed live virus, cats shed the virus for a short period of time and could transmit the disease to other cats.

According to Dr Lappin, further data is being collected to explore whether the clinical illness in naturally infected dogs or cats is common or important. He added that it is currently unclear whether these animals require specific treatment.

Speaking on the topic of preventative health, Dr Richard Squires, chair of the WSAVA’s Vaccination Guidelines group, reminded veterinary professionals of the importance of risk-benefit analyses during the pandemic. He suggested that the current priority should be the protection of puppies and kittens using core vaccines, with the last or sole dose being given no earlier than 16 weeks.

More advice for veterinary professionals on vaccination during the pandemic is available on WSAVA’s Resource Hub.

Commenting on the webinar, Dr Lappin said: “The other panelists and I hope that the content of the webinar can be used to improve the welfare and health of companion animals.  We all look forward to working together to provide additional updates to the WSAVA membership as new information comes available.”

The full webinar can be viewed by clicking here.

Image (c) WSAVA.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Zoetis launches equine quality of life survey

News Story 1
 Zoetis UK has called on horse owners to complete a short online survey about their horse's behaviours.

The survey comes as the company collaborates with VetMetrica to develop a tool to measure health-related quality of life in horses. The tool is expected to be particularly useful for horses living with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or laminitis.

It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey, which explores the relevance and clarity of each behaviour.

The survey can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.