In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) temporarily named the new virus as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). However, on February 11thit was definitively named SARS-Cov-2 and the disease caused by this virus was named ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’(abbreviated “COVID-19”).
Even though there are no official confirmed cases in Kosovo so far, the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing fear and uncertainty for many. It is also a threat to companion animal welfare as some owners worry that pets could spread the virus.
The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission. To date, there is no evidence that companion, cattle and poultry animals can spread the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against animals which may compromise their welfare. We are aware of issues related to pet abandonment in Kosovo and hope that this information will be of use to all pet handlers and veterinarians around the country in dealing with the concerns of their clients.
- Currently there is limited evidence that companion animals can be infected with SARS-Cov-2 and no evidence that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection to other animals or to humans.
- Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, until we know more, pet owners should avoid contact with animals they are unfamiliar with and always wash their hands before and after they interact with animals.
- You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19,it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
- The Veterinary Services of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China reported to OIE evidence that a dog had tested positive to the COVID-19 virus following close exposure to its handlers who were sick with COVID-19. The test, conducted by real time PCR, showed the presence of genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. The dog was not showing any clinical signs of the disease.
- If your pet develops an unexplained illness and has been exposed to a person with COVID-19, talk to the public health official working with the person with COVID-19. If the state public health official advises you to take your pet to a veterinary clinic, call your veterinary clinic before you go to let them know that you are bringing a sick pet that has been exposed to a person with COVID-19.