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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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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.