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Diagnostics firm reports no COVID-19 cases in pets
The results align with current understanding that COVID-19 is primarily spread from human-to-human.
Study supports recommendation against testing pets for the virus

Veterinary diagnostics company IDEXX Laboratories has announced that it has seen no positive results in pets to date of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The firm tested thousands of samples from cats and dogs during validation of a new veterinary test for the COVID-19 virus. The samples used for testing and validation were obtained from samples submitted to the IDEXX Laboratories for PCR testing.

Researchers say that their results align with current understanding that COVID-19 is primarily spread from human-to-human, and support the recommendation against testing pets for the COVID-19 virus.

Jay Mazelsky, president and chief executive officer of IDEXX Laboratories, said: “Should leading health authorities determine it is clinically relevant to test pets for the COVID-19 virus, IDEXX will be ready to make the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR™ Test available.

“Pets are important members of our family, and we want to keep them healthy and safe. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and pet health across our global IDEXX Reference Laboratories network as this situation evolves.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.