Guidelines to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on livestock production and animal health.
COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on many sectors at global, regional and national levels, including the livestock sector (FAO, 2020; G20, 2020). The actions taken in many countries, such as lockdown, travel restrictions and border controls, have resulted in unintended or negative consequences for the livestock sector.
The purpose of these guidelines is to describe the impact of COVID-19 on livestock production and animal disease prevention and control, and to provide practical recommendations for actors along value chains to reduce this impact and ensure continuity of the livestock supply chain and animal health.
Click here to read the whole guidelines.
Stray dog not a SARS-COV-2 transmission risk.
Xia's theory that the intestines of feral dogs could have been a site for SARS-CoV-2 evolution is NOT evidence for a current transmission risk from stray dogs to people. ICAM emphasises this publication in no way justifies stray dog removal or culling.
Advice on caring for pets in relation to COVID-19
Please take note: the guidance is updated regularly so please do check back for any changes.
There is currently no evidence that dogs and cats can spread the human coronavirus disease COVID-19.
It appears that it is very rare for companion animals to become naturally infected with COVID-19; they are not naturally infected easily with the virus; there is little to no evidence that they become sick from the virus if they are infected; and crucially, there is still no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19 to people.
Pet owners and anyone handling pets: make sure you are following good hygiene practices.
This is good advice at any time and not specific to the Coronavirus situation.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after interacting with your pets.
• Avoid being kissed or licked by, or sharing food with your dog or cat.
It is important to continue to provide good care for our dogs and cats during this time.
Please do not abandon them.
Make a plan in case the situation changes.
If you are able to, try to make sure you have enough food for your pets for a couple of weeks at least, and any medications that may need, in case there are restrictions on travel, shopping or visiting the vet. Make a plan for who will care for your animal if you are sick. You should also think about who could help if your pet needed to go to the vet and you are unwell or self-isolating. If you are sick, please do not take your pet to the vet yourself, please call LSPCA for advice.
What should I do with my pets if I am socially distancing?
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with your pets and use hand sanitiser. Don’t touch your mouth, nose or eyes until you have washed your hands. This is sensible hygiene advice at any time when handling pets.
If you have any concerns about your pet or your pet shows signs of ill health, please do not visit the vet but phone for advice.
What should I do with my pets if I am ill or someone in my house is ill because of Covid-19 virus?
If you have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19 then current advice from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends: “You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with Covid just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick of Covid, it is still recommended that people sick with Covid limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with Covid avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear facemask.”
All household members should be following good hygiene practices when handling pets.
If you have any concerns about your pet or your pet shows signs of ill health, please do not visit the vet but phone for advice. As you will be unable to take your pet to the vet yourself, have a plan so that someone else can do this on your behalf.
