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WSAVA issues reassurance for pet owners following death of dog in Hong Kong
The WSAVA states that its priority is supporting veterinary surgeons around the world.

'No evidence that COVID-19 can be contracted from pets'

The WSAVA wants to reassure pet owners following the news that a dog, quarantined in Hong Kong after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, has died.

The 17-year-old Pomeranian showed no clinical signs of COVID-19. But did have significant, unrelated health problems including cardiac and renal issues. It is believed that a combination of these issues and old age caused the death of the animal, as well as increased stress resulting from quarantine away from its home.

In a statement, the WSAVA confirmed that there is no evidence that the dog contracted COVID-19, nor that it could have passed the viral cause to another human or animal.

On 19 March, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced that a second dog, a German shepherd, had also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. This animal has no clinical signs of disease and is in quarantine along with another dog from the same household, which tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “While there is still much we don’t know about COVID-19, we do know that the Pomeranian dog did not die from the virus, and the second dog is also showing no signs, either of the disease or of being able to transmit it to other pets or people. The current evidence still strongly indicates that COVID-19 cannot be contracted from pets.”

The WSAVA states that its priority is supporting veterinary surgeons around the world and it urges pet owners not to panic and, instead, to continue to care for their pets and to take solace in their companionship while isolated.

The WSAVA’s Scientific Committee and One Health Committee have provided advice to its members and pet owners, which can be found here.

These committees recommend that veterinary surgeons remind owners to:

  • keep their pets with them if they are self-isolating
  • maintain good hygiene habits, including washing hands before and after interacting with pets
  • arrange care for any animals left at home should they be hospitalised
  • contact their local veterinary practice immediately if they have questions or concerns.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.