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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.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.