COVID-19 - An update for WSAVA Members
February 17th, 2021

There have been a number of notable discussions recently concerning the role SARS-CoV-2 plays in the health of companion animals so we aim to bring WSAVA members up to date in this latest E-shot:

Updates on SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Disease in Companion Animals.

Since our last E-shot, there have continued to be occasional reports of SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplified from small companion animals or antibodies detected in serum.

The best place to track the worldwide cases and read the specific reports is the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Tracking and Reports by the OIE

For those specifically seeking information for animals in their personal countries, many have tracking sites like the one maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Tracking website by the USDA

Globally, less than 200 proven positive cases in small companion animals have been documented. Cats (n = 96) and dogs (n = 77) are most likely to be infected (Data as of February 3, 2021). The majority have had a history of exposure to a person with COVID-19. Of note, the first client-owned ferret was positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR assay in Slovenia in late December 2020; this ferret lived in the home of a person with COVID-19 and exhibited gastrointestinal signs.

In the confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection of companion animals to date, clinical signs have been present in about 50% of those with detailed case histories. If disease occurs in an infected cat, dog, or ferret, self-limited respiratory (coughing, sneezing, ocular or nasal discharge) or gastrointestinal (diarrhea, vomiting) signs are predominant. To our knowledge, there have been no proven deaths of a small companion animal directly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been questioned whether additional cases may have been missed to date due to restrictions on animal testing in most countries. Of course, the answer to that question is unknown at this time and it is likely there will be variations in regions and countries. As an example, no small companion animal seen at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University has been suspected to be clinically ill from SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, over 415,000 people are known to have been infected in the state of Colorado at the time of the writing of this E-shot.

The use of animals in animal-assisted therapy

We have received questions as to when restrictions on the use of companion animals in important health care services, such as animal-assisted therapy will be ended. This is an extremely important global One Health issue. Hopefully, as further information concerning SARS-CoV-2 shedding rates in dogs becomes more widely available, some countries will allow the lifting of restrictions. Please contact your local health authorities for advice about this issue in the interim period.

SARS-CoV-2 variants

In the last several months, the emergence of new strains of SARS-CoV-2 that may be more easily transmittable have been recognized around the world. Variants from the USA (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), and Brazil (P.1) have been monitored the most to date.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a website that provides up to date information about what is known about these variants to date.

Information on variants by CDC

Whether the spectrum of illness associated with these variants is different is currently unknown. However, in limited studies to date, antibodies induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in people appear to recognize the variants and so hopefully, current vaccines will confer protection. Whether effective treatments will differ with the new variants also will need to be studied.

Whether these variants are more likely to infect the small companion animals living with their owners or are more likely to cause severe disease is unknown but is being evaluated. As recommended from the start of the pandemic, if a family member has signs of COVID-19, they should attempt to quarantine from all family members, including pets and other animals.

More information on keeping pets and people safe and healthy is available from CDC.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for animals

It has been suggested by some that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for animals may be required to stop the spread of the virus.

Article by Science Focus on vaccinating pets against COVID-19

In some susceptible species like farmed mink that are housed in large numbers, vaccination may be needed to mitigate transmission and disease. Research into mink vaccination is ongoing.

However, WSAVA would like to remind our members that based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. Limited studies assessing cats or dogs for live SARS-CoV-2 suggest that shedding in cats is of short duration and in one small study in dogs, live virus was not detected at any time point (PMCID: PMC7585007).

A longitudinal study of dogs and cats living with at least one SARS-CoV-2 infected human in Texas was recently completed and released in pre-print. A total of 47.1% of 17 cats and 15.3% of 59 dogs from 25.6% of 39 households were positive for SARS-CoV-2 via RT-PCR and genome sequencing or neutralizing antibodies in serum. Virus was isolated from one cat. The majority (82.4%) of infected pets had no recognized signs of disease. Re-sampling of one infected cat 25 days after the first positive test was positive for viral RNA; this was 32 days after the COVID-19 diagnosis in the owner. Across 15 antibody-positive animals, titers increased (33.3%), decreased (33.3%) or were stable (33.3%) over time. As noted in the experimental study referenced before, presence of live virus was rare in these pets. Further field studies will be required to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids are present as long as 90 days after primary infection as in humans.
Natural SARS-CoV-2 infections, including virus isolation, among serially tested cats and dogs in households with confirmed human COVID-19 cases in Texas, USA | bioRxiv 2020.12.08.416339; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.08.416339

These findings combined with the facts that infected small companion animals to date have most likely been infected by a person and that clinical signs, when present, are, mild, and self-limited suggest that vaccines are not be needed in dogs, cats and ferrets at this time. While vaccine manufacturers are assessing vaccine candidates for use in animals, whether those vaccines will be needed for pet cats, dogs, and ferrets will require further research. Hopefully, as production, distribution, and administration of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for people increases, the need for companion animal vaccines for this virus will be even less.

Dog and cat vaccination delays due to COVID-19

In many countries, pet owners are still avoiding visits to veterinary clinics to have their pets vaccinated and veterinary practices in many countries are still restricting their services to essential or emergency care. For adult dogs and cats regularly vaccinated with core modified live vaccines this should not be a problem. While canine modified-live virus core vaccines (CDV, CAV and CPV2) and FPV vaccines should be given every 3 years, there is substantial evidence that protection is for much longer and probably for the lifetime of the pet. Feline core FHV-1 and FCV vaccines may also be given triennially to ‘low-risk’ cats or annually to ‘high-risk’ cats, however there is evidence that these vaccines also provide long-term protection to most cats. The more challenging situations in the face of COVID-19 are in implementing primary courses of core vaccination for puppies and kittens and maintaining vaccine immunity for non-core vaccine agents that are administered on an annual basis.

WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group released an advisory about routine prophylactic vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic. It is available at this site for your review.

WSAVA Advice on Vaccinations during COVID-19

Update on PPE.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, use of face masks has been shown to be beneficial to lessen transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus among people. Recently, the CDC has updated the site on effective mask use.

CDC advice on effective mask use

Two of the most important things to do are to make sure the mask fits snugly and completely covers your nose and mouth and can be secured under your chin. Also, usea mask with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Other things to consider when optimizing mask efficacy are discussed on the webpage.

SARS-CoV-2 references

The CDC One Health Office has developed a One Health COVID-19 Scientific Publication tracker with summaries of over 500 articles. Please use the link below to sign up to receive this service.

Sign up to the CDC's Scientific Publication Tracker

We hope you find this e-shot useful and will be adding translations to the Resource Hub in the coming days.

Please let us know if you have questions or comments. Stay safe!

Michael R. Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine) The Kenneth W. Smith
Professor in Small Animal Clinical Medicine, Colorado State University
Chairman, WSAVA One Health Committee

Professor Mary Marcondes, DVM, MSc, PhD
Professor (retired) of Small Animal Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases - School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, Brazil Co-chair of the WSAVA Scientific Committee

Visit the WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub here

Press Information

FECAVA and WSAVA Mark Blue Monday with Commitment to Veterinary Collegiality

The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) and World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) have drawn up a set of guidelines outlining how veterinary professionals should conduct themselves among their peers.

Called ‘Global Principles of Veterinary Collegiality’, the document springs from discussions held during a VIP Summit at WSAVA World Congress in July 2019. During the meeting, veterinary leaders from around the world expressed concern at the additional stress caused to veterinarians by poor communication and collegiality within teams and among colleagues. They highlighted the additional pressures that this was placing members of a profession already challenged by well-being and mental health issues.

The document was launched on Monday January 18, known as ‘Blue Monday’, claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. While some country veterinary associations already have a Code of Conduct, many do not and FECAVA and WSAVA hope that their initiative will help all of their member associations to commit to a common standard of behavior in order to support the profession as it works to achieve the ideals of patient care as set out in the WSAVA Veterinary Oath.

The Global Principles were authored by WSAVA Past Presidents Dr Shane Ryan and Dr Walt Ingwersen, and FECAVA Senior Vice President Dr Wolfgang Dohne. The document sets out the key principles of professional collegiality which they identify as involving equal and reciprocal relationships between veterinary individuals and groups.

Commenting, Dr Wolfgang Dohne said: “Poor collegiality and communication add to stress and frustration among veterinary professionals and hold back veterinary teams. Mutual respect, courtesy and support of especially junior team members, together with good communication, results not only in a better working environment, but also in better clinical outcomes. It improves animal welfare and encourages the concept of life-long learning. These goals are at the heart of FECAVA and its national member organizations and we are proud to be co-signatories of this document.”

Dr Shane Ryan added: “The mental and emotional well-being of the entire veterinary team and, consequently, our ability to ensure the health and welfare of our animal patients, can only be enhanced by practicing in a harmonious, collegial environment. The principles outlined in the document allow for courteous and respectful interaction with our fellow veterinarians to encourage a more productive and welcoming workplace. Strengthening collegiality is an important element of the WSAVA’s strategy to advocate for the profession globally to bring about positive change.”

The associations plan to follow up the Global Principles with an infographic for practical use in companion animal clinics. It will be unveiled during the joint WSAVA/FECAVA Online Congress which takes place in March 2021. The document and infographics will be translated into multiple languages.

Through its member associations, FECAVA represents more than 25,000 companion animal veterinarians in 39 European countries. FECAVA strives to improve the veterinary care of pets through professional development. It also provides a voice for companion animal issues at European level and works closely with other European veterinary organizations and stakeholders.

The WSAVA aims to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide through creating an educated, committed and collaborative global community of veterinary peers. It currently represents more than 200,000 veterinarians through 110 member associations. Its annual World Congress brings together globally respected experts to offer cutting edge thinking on all aspects of companion animal veterinary care.

The Global Principles of Collegiality can be downloaded from the WSAVA website at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Global-Principles-of-Veterinary-Collegiality_WSAVA-and-FECAVA.pdf

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca George, George PR

Tel: 01449 737281/07974 161108 / email: Αυτή η διεύθυνση ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε. 

Date of issue: 18 January 2021

Αγαπητά Μέλη,

Στην ΕΛΕΚΖΣ εργαζόμαστε με συνέπεια για τη διαρκή μεταπτυχιακή εκπαίδευση των κτηνιάτρων που ασχολούνται με την Ιατρική των Ζώων Συντροφιάς και στο πλαίσιο αυτό ελπίζουμε και το 2020 να ανταποκριθήκαμε στις προσδοκίες σας.

Το 2021 θα συνεχίσουμε με την ίδια συνέπεια.

Για να ακολουθήσετε τις δράσεις μας το μόνο που χρειάζεται είναι να εκπληρώσετε τις οικονομικές σας υποχρεώσεις απέναντι στην ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΣΑΣ, ανανεώνοντας την ετήσια συνδρομή σας για το 2021.

Η ΕΛΕΚΖΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΤΑ ΜΕΛΗ ΤΗΣ και τα οικονομικά τακτοποιημένα μέλη της απολαμβάνουν:

• Προνομιακές τιμές συμμετοχής στις επιστημονικές μας δραστηριότητες (FORUM, περιφερειακές διημερίδες, webinars).
• Δωρεάν παρακολούθηση webinars αποκλειστικής χορηγικής υποστήριξης.
• Δωρεάν το δίγλωσσο επιστημονικό περιοδικό μας “Ιατρική Ζώων Συντροφιάς” (δύο τεύχη ανά έτος), με διαδικτυακή πρόσβαση στην ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση www.hjcam.hcavs.gr 
• Αποκλειστική πρόσβαση στην Περιοχή Μελών της ιστοσελίδας μας www.hcavs.gr και μέσω αυτής στα πρακτικά FORUM προηγουμένων ετών, στα πρακτικά συνεδριάσεων του ΔΣ καισε ειδικό διαφημιστικό υλικό, αποκλειστικά για τα μέλη της ΕΛΕΚΖΣ.
• Ηλεκτρονικές ενημερώσεις με τα νέα της ΕΛΕΚΖΣ (τουλάχιστον 1 newsletter ανά μήνα).

ΟΛΑ τα μέλη μας απολαμβάνουν ΚΑΙ τα προνόμια των μελών της Παγκόσμιας Κτηνιατρικής Εταιρείας Μικρών Ζώων (WSAVA). Αναλυτικά στο σύνδεσμο https://www.wsava.org/Our-Members/Member-Benefits

ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΣΥΝΔΡΟΜΗ ΕΤΟΥΣ 2021 (1/1 – 31/12)
ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΟΙ: 30€ - Προπτυχιακοί Φοιτητές Κτηνιατρικής: 15€

Αν δεν έχετε τακτοποιήσει τις οικονομικές σας υποχρεώσεις ή επιθυμείτε να εγγραφείτε ως νέο μέλος, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με τη Γραμματεία μας, Δευτέρα έως Παρασκευή 10.00 – 16.00 στα τηλέφωνα 2107759727 και 6945311054 (WhatsApp & Viber), για να ενημερωθείτε για το ακριβές ποσό της οφειλής σας ή για τη διαδικασία νέας εγγραφής.

Προτείνουμε να τακτοποιήσετε τις συνδρομές σας μέσω της ιστοσελίδας μας, www.hcavs.gr με χρήση χρεωστικής ή πιστωτικής κάρτας. Μπορείτε επίσης και με κατάθεση στους παρακάτω τραπεζικούς λογαριασμούς (αναγράφοντας απαραίτητα ΣΥΝΔΡΟΜΗ 2021 και το ΟΝΟΜΑΤΕΠΩΝΥΜΟ σας)

• ALPHA BANK
  ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥΧΟΣ: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΗΣ ΖΩΩΝ ΣΥΝΤΡΟΦΙΑΣ
  ΑΡΙΘ.ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΥ: 133 00 2002 011750 (ΙΒΑΝ: GR32 0140 1330 1330 0200 2011 750)
  BIC/ SWIFT: CRBAGRAA
• ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΠΕΙΡΑΙΩΣ
  ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥΧΟΣ: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΗΣ ΖΩΩΝ ΣΥΝΤΡΟΦΙΑΣ
  ΑΡΙΘ.ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΥ: 5043-075434-447 (ΙΒΑΝ: GR94 0172 0430 0050 4307 5434 447)
  BIC/SWIFT: PIRBGRAA

Σας ευχαριστούμε για την υποστήριξη και σας περιμένουμε στις προσεχείς επιστημονικές μας εκδηλώσεις!

Ευτυχισμένο το 2021!
Η Γραμματεία της ΕΛΕΚΖΣ

(Αν έχετε ήδη τακτοποιήσει τις συνδρομές σας, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με τη Γραμματεία μας, καθημερινά Δευτέρα - Παρασκευή 10.00-16.00, για ενημέρωση των οικονομικών σας στοιχείων)

COVID-19 - An update for WSAVA Members
October 27th, 2020

There have been a number of notable discussions recently concerning the role SARS-CoV-2 plays in the health of companion animals so we aim to bring WSAVA members up to date in this latest e-shot:

The use of SARS-CoV-2 assays

The use of antibody assays, antigen assays, nucleic acid amplification assays such as quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay (qRT-PCR), and virus isolation assays in the diagnosis and management of both human and animal cases with possible SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to generate discussion and, frequently, confusion.

We would like to share our thinking and highlight useful resources you can use to help answer questions your owners or staff may have for you. Key points to remember include:

Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 prove that an animal or person was exposed to the virus and developed an immune response.

• Positive antibody test results do not prove the presence of live virus in an individual.
• By the time an individual has a positive antibody test result, it would be unlikely that they could be shedding live virus.
• Work continues to determine what are the best viral targets to use in antibody tests and how best to use the results in management strategies in both humans and animals
• The Center for Disease Control provides interim guidance for the use of antibody tests in humans and is a great source of information.

CDC's antibody test guidelines

Positive results in SARS-CoV-2 antigen assays, qRT-PCR assays, and virus isolation assays confirm the presence of the virus, but only virus isolation assays confirm the presence of living virus. Thus, a person or pet that is positive for SARS-CoV-2 antigens or RNA amplified by qRT-PCR assay may not be contagious.

People have now been shown to be positive for viral RNA by qRT-PCR assays for up to 12 weeks, long after they stopped being infectious to others. This is why the Center for Disease Control no longer recommends a test-based strategy for return-to-work plans for previously positive people.

CDC: return to work

A recently published study evaluated qRT-PCR assay, a virus isolation assay, and several different antibody assay results in experimentally infected adult dogs and adult cats and helps us understand more about what happens when an animal is infected with SARS-CoV-2 by contact with an infected person.

Study on infected adult dogs and cats

• While dogs became transiently qRT-PCR assay positive and developed serum antibodies, clinical signs were not noted and live virus was not grown from any dog.
• Primary inoculated cats passed live virus to other cats in direct contact, but none of the cats developed clinical signs of disease.
• Viral RNA and live virus were detected transiently in the cats after primary inoculation or direct contact. However, the shedding was of short duration and was completed during the time periods generally recommended for quarantine in many countries (10-14 days after exposure or clinical signs)
• Neutralizing antibody titers developed and cats that had a second challenge with the virus on Day 28 did not repeat shedding of live virus.

The results of this study of experiment animals supports observations from client-owned animals that suggest that infection of animals from people occurs (reverse zoonoses), but is uncommon and does not result in serious disease in most exposed animals. If you would like to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 infected companion animals reported to date, please visit the OIE site below.

Visit the OIE website: Q&A on SARS-CoV-2

Companion animal research on SARS-CoV-2 using results from field cases continues in many countries. For example, the Center for Companion Animal Studies at Colorado State University has permission to use a research qRT-PCR assay to evaluate samples from dogs with unexplained causes of the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex in the United States. To date, dogs positive for SARS-CoV-2 have not been detected.

It has been great to have access to manuscripts in pre-review via portals such as www.biorxiv.org . However, the WSAVA One Health Committee reminds our members that these manuscripts have not completed peer-review and may be modified greatly before publication or not be accepted for publication.

The use of animals in animal-assisted therapy

We have received questions as to when restrictions on the use of companion animals in important health care services, such as animal-assisted therapy will be ended. This is an extremely important global One Health issue. Hopefully, as further information concerning SARS-CoV-2 shedding rates in dogs becomes more widely available, some countries will allow the lifting of restrictions. Please contact your local health authorities for advice about this issue in the interim period.

Latest webinar added to WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub

One of the most notable new additions to the WSAVA’s COVID-19 resource hub is a WSAVA One Health webinar entitled ‘The impact of COVID-19 on your patients and staff: An update.’ During the webinar, Peter Karczmar MD, Michael R. Lappin, DVM, and Richard Squires BVSc discussed a range of important updates concerning the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections to your staff and the impact of COVID-19 on your patients and preventative health programs. Please enjoy the webinar if you missed the live recording and let us know at Αυτή η διεύθυνση ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε. if you have comments to share. We thank MSD Animal Health for supporting the webinar.

We hope you find this e-shot useful and will be adding translations to the Resource Hub in the coming days.

Please let us know if you have questions or comments. Stay safe!

Michael R. Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine) The Kenneth W. Smith
Professor in Small Animal Clinical Medicine, Colorado State University
Chairman, WSAVA One Health Committee

Professor Mary Marcondes, DVM, MSc, PhD
Professor (retired) of Small Animal Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases - School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, Brazil Co-chair of the WSAVA Scientific Committee

Visit the WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub here

COVID-19 - An update for WSAVA Members
April 25th, 2020

In the days since our last update on April 11, 2020, there have been many notable reports concerning SARS-CoV-2 and small companion animals. WSAVA was fortunate to have the support of the Purina Institute and Zoetis Inc. to host a webinar that covered most of the current issues at the time the webinar first aired on April 17. If you have not watched it yet, you can view it here:

View the webinar here

We will be adding translations of the content in several languages to the WSAVA’s COVID-19 resource hub over the next few days. It contains a wealth of resources on COVID-19 and companion animals to help you, with new content being added weekly so please check it regularly and urge your members to do the same.

Since the webinar, the interrelated topics that have generated the most discussion are:

• how common are SARS-CoV-2 infections in naturally exposed dogs and cats?
• how likely are these animals to develop clinical illness from this virus?
• should the veterinary profession be performing wide-spread testing of dogs and cats to help to answer the first two questions?

Soon after our webinar, another serological survey paper was made available for outside review. In it, serological test results were reported for 35 species, including some dogs and cats. Data from Wuhan City, the presumed origin of the pandemic, showed that all of the 15 pet dogs, 99 street dogs, 66 pet cats, and 21 street cats were negative for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Read the Paper here

Junhua Deng et al. SHORT COMMUNICATION Serological survey of SARS‐CoV‐2 for experimental, domestic, companion and wild animals excludes intermediate hosts of 35 different species of animals Transbound Emerg Dis 2020 Apr 17

This week, the first two cats in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by rtPCR assay were reported and the CDC and USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) subsequently posted their findings and recommendations. The cats were initially identified by a commercial laboratory doing independent surveillance work using samples submitted for testing for other pathogens. These cats both had a mild respiratory illness are expected to make a full recovery. Public health and animal health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare.

There is more information available here:

• CDC Media Statement
• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

To date, several commercial laboratories conducting voluntary surveillance work and providing their results have reportedly tested more than 7,500 dogs and cats with only the two positive feline cases detected to date.

A novel approach to identifying trends in clinical illness in dogs and cats was recently reported by pet medical insurance provider, Trupanion. The company has data from millions of dog and cat insurance claims over 20 years. In a webinar posted on April 17th, Dr. Steve Weinrauch, BVMS, MRCVS, Chief Veterinary Officer, Trupanion showed that, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory claims have not seen an upward trend. Detailed analysis of claims data is a critical part of how Trupanion operates and has been consistently reviewed for decades. The company is committed to continuing with plans to alert the CDC if any regional trends are noted.

View the webinar here

As of April 23, 2020, WHO reports 2,626,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases in people while the total of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats stands at fewer than ten. The failure to detect more positive cases in dogs and cats is undoubtedly related in part to a lack of widespread testing in these species. However, based on the experimental and natural exposure information gathered to date, infection of dogs and cats is most likely associated with exposure to an infected human. It is difficult to infect dogs and cats with SARS-CoV-2, clinical illness is unlikely and self-limited when it occurs, and long-term shedding at levels likely to infect a new human has still not been documented. This means that the results of testing of individual animals is unlikely to be of clinical benefit. However, well-designed epidemiologic studies are needed to further define the role of cats and dogs in this pandemic.

Public health and animal health entities around the world continue to review the cumulative data on companion animals daily and to update recommendations frequently. For example, the new CDC guidelines for veterinarians were published on April 23, 2020 and will be updated frequently as new information is gathered. Please also refer to guidelines published in your countries.

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance
for Veterinary Clinics During the COVID-19 Response

Information on keeping both people and animals safe and healthy is also available

We thank you too for all you are doing to continue to care for your patients and reassure their owners. Please keep yourselves and your families safe in these difficult times.

Michael R. Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine) The Kenneth W. Smith
Professor in Small Animal Clinical Medicine, Colorado State University
Chairman, WSAVA One Health Committee

Visit the WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub here

COVID-19 - An update for WSAVA Members
April 11th, 2020

WSAVA Webinar: COVID-19 and Companion Animals – What we know today
Friday April 17, 2020 14.00hrs GMT {10.00hrs (EST); 15.00hrs (London); 22.00hrs (Hong Kong)}

The Covid-19 pandemic is causing distress and uncertainty for us all. It also poses a significant and real threat to companion animal welfare, particularly given conflicting media reports on whether pets can spread the virus. As part of our effort to keep you up-to -date with the latest information on COVID-19, we are hosting an hour-long webinar next Friday April 17. The expert speakers are:

• Dr Vanessa Barrs, Professor of Companion Animal Health, City University of Hong Kong
• Dr Michael Lappin, Chair of the WSAVA One Health Committee
• Dr Shane Ryan, WSAVA President

During the webinar they will address what the evidence actually tells us about COVID-19 and companion animals, as well as how to provide optimal preventative care for pets in the face of the pandemic. They will also discuss the important role that veterinarians can play in promoting pet welfare and supporting the human-companion animal bond during this difficult time.

We hope that the information our speakers will give you will help you to reassure your clients, your co-workers and your communities based on the latest evidence. We also hope our recommendations support you in continuing to provide the highest standard of care to your patients.

Join the webinar here

We are grateful to WSAVA Diamond Partner the Purina Institute and WSAVA Industry Partner Zoetis for their generous support of this webinar.

We hope that you and many of your members will be able to join the webinar live so please share this information with them urgently. If you are unable to watch it live, you will also be able to watch it on demand when it is added to the WSAVA’s COVID-19 resource hub. We have again added new content this week, much of it available in a range of languages, for which we we extend our grateful thanks to the WSAVA One Health, Scientific and Translation Committees.

Visit the WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub here

Please keep yourselves and your families safe in these difficult times.

On behalf of the WSAVA Secretariat,

Emma van Rooijen
Executive Assistant