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WSAVA issues new coronavirus guidance
"We urge our members to ensure owners follow our guidance and keep themselves and their companion animals safe" - Dr Shane Ryan, WSAVA President.

Vets urged to advise owners not to panic

Following the outbreak of the new coronavirus (2019 n-CoV) in China, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has prepared an advisory document and a set of Frequently Asked Questions to help its members when discussing the epidemic with clients.


The move comes in response to reports of animals being abandoned or killed because their owners fear they may carry the virus. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that cats or dogs can be infected with the new coronavirus, nor is there evidence to show that pets or other animals might be a source of infection to people.

The guidance calls on veterinary surgeons to tell owners ‘not to panic’ but warns that the situation is ‘rapidly evolving' and that information will be updated 'as it becomes available'.

“There is still much we don’t know about 2019-CoV 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 with reports of animals being abandoned or killed because their owners fear that they might carry the virus,” said WSAVA president Dr Shane Ryan.


“There is no evidence that this is necessary and we urge our members to ensure owners follow our guidance and keep themselves and their companion animals safe.” 


WSAVA’s One Health Committee chair Dr Michael Lappin recommends that veterinary surgeons advise owners to:

 • keep their companion animals with them if they are self-quarantined
 • keep cats inside
 • arrange care for any animals left at home if family or friends are hospitalised
 • contact their veterinary surgeon immediately if they have questions or concerns.


The advisory document also warns vets against using vaccines for canine enteric coronavirus, available in some global markets, in the hope they may offer some protection against 2019 n-CoV. Currently, there is no evidence that vaccinating dogs with commercial vaccines will protect against 2019 n-CoV since the viruses are distinctly different variants.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.