Animals do not transmit the Coronavirus

This article aims to raise awareness and inform people about the events that are happening in Italy following the emergency Covid-19. Despite the clarification made by theSpallanzani National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health and the Higher Institute of Health in addition toOMS to avoid abandonment and violence, given that pets do not transmit Coronavirus, thousands of dogs have been abandoned in recent weeks for fear of contagion.

Nowhere in the world should this practice be welcomed and even less so in an advanced and civilized country like Italy.

Even the world veterinary association, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (Wsava), urges pet owners not to panic, as dogs and cats do not transmit the virus, and has published a document to help veterinary doctors correctly answer frequently asked questions regarding the Coronavirus epidemic. by the owners of the pets.

They are presented in the document 6 frequently asked questions and the consequent answers:

•  Can the coronavirus infect pets? If my pet or another has been in contact with a sick person, can it spread the disease to other people?

The World Health Organization emphasizes that pets have no role in spreading the disease. Although the new virus most likely originated in animals, transmission of the disease is currently occurring from person to person.

Furthermore, the WHO has released an explanatory poster in which it reiterates the good practice of always washing your hands even after touching animals to avoid possible bacterial infections (for example caused by Salmonella and E. coli.)

• Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick?

The general rule, valid in any case, is not to handle animals if you are sick, where this is not possible it is sufficient to wear a mask.

• What to do if my pet gets sick and has been in contact with a person infected with Coronavirus?

The suggestion is to contact the veterinarian before bringing the animal to the clinic, to inform him of the situation and to respect and follow the instructions provided.

• What precautions should be taken with respect to pets that have been in contact with people infected with coronavirus?

The spread of the virus is occurring from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person when he sneezes or coughs. There is no evidence that pets can be infected with coronavirus.

• How should animals be managed in areas where the virus is active?

Even in the absence of reports of animals sickened by 2019-nCoV, it is advisable to avoid contact with animals where possible and wear a mask where it is necessary to take care of them.

• Should dogs be started to be vaccinated against canine enteric coronaviruses to achieve cross-protection against 2019-nCoV?

Reiterating once again that there is currently no evidence that 2019 n-CoV can infect pets, dogs should not be vaccinated against enteric coronaviruses in the hope of obtaining cross-protection against the new coronavirus because there is no evidence of this possible result, also considering the fact that enteric and respiratory coronaviruses are clearly different variants.