Advisory On COVID-19 in relation to Farm Animals & Pets

“Advisory On COVID-19 in relation to Farm Animals & Pets” issued in Public interest by Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana-India.

Facts

• As per OIE latest update, animals like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, chickens, pigs and pets including dogs and cats don’t show any important part in the epidemiology of COVID-19.
• As per CDC and OIE, no evidence till date suggests that pets spread COVID-19 to people.
• Positive findings in companion animals were ‘isolated cases’ associated with close contact with humans positive for COVID-19.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and World Veterinary Association (WVA) advocate that specific activities of Veterinary Services are considered as essential services.
• Now telemedicine has been approved by Government of Haryana, so contact your local Veterinarian through phone for any help.

Animal Owner/Pet parent

• Animal owners/pet parents should practice good hygiene before and after feeding, watering or handling the animals/pets.
• Bathing cattle and buffaloes with water daily at home is advisable.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting premises where animals are kept is recommended.
• Regularly groom your pet at least twice a day.
• Properly clean and dry pet’s food and water bowls as well as bedding and toys.
• Only visit Veterinary hospital in case of real emergency.
• Avoid travelling with your animals/pets.
• Avoid walking outside home with your pet. Indoor activities/exercises can be adopted by pet parents to keep pets active and healthy
• Sweeping/mopping of area where animals are kept twice daily with 7% Lysol or 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite* can be adopted.
• 7% Lysol Spray or 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite can be also be used as spray in places where farm animals are kept.

*1 part household bleach with 5% sodium hypochlorite to 9 parts water can also be used

If owner/pet parent contracted COVID-19 infection:

• Identify another healthy person who can take care of different activities of animals/pets.
• Strictly restrict contact with animals/pets as you restrict contact with other humans.

Practicing Veterinarians:

• Attend only acutely ill animals or emergency cases, Elective Procedures can be rescheduled.
• Actively participate in Telemedicine to avoid actual cases in the clinics.
• Preventive measures, such as vaccination against diseases with a significant public health or economic impact, should be undertaken.
• Strategic use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks, gowns, gloves, shoe covers, caps and gloves is to be adopted.
• Properly autoclave and then discard any disposal originated from your animal clinics or working area.
• 70% ethyl alcohol to disinfect small areas between uses, such as reusable dedicated equipment (for example, thermometers) Sodium hypochlorite at 0.5% (equivalent to 5000 ppm) for disinfecting surfaces.
• Priority research activities (if any) should continue.
• Always wash hands after attending a clinical case/writing a prescription etc.
• Practice social distancing while taking history or attending a clinical cases.
• Protect your family by adopting all necessary practices issued by government of India for personals involved in emergency services.
• Any travel history of pet or pet parent should be ascertained

During COVID-19

• Pets can be a source of comfort during stress and lockdown, so don’t abandon them, they are your family.
• Livestock are source livelihood and are source of nutritious food so take all precautions that can be the source of COVID-19 virus.

Note:

• Issued in Public interest by Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, LUVAS-Hisar, Haryana-India.
• These are general guidelines for animal owners and Veterinarians. Guidelines not applicable in Veterolegal cases.
• Please follow directions issued by local administration in legal issues.
• Advisory in Hindi and English can be downloaded from official website of LUVAS Click here