Sir,
World Health Organization says “pets are safe from being infected with coronavirus”. A relief to pet owners: there’s no evidence that companion animals such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus as of now, according to the World Health Organization.
Like previous SARS viruses, Covid-19 transmits primarily through droplets of coughing, sneezing, saliva, or discharge from the nose of a infected human. While pets generate droplets quite easily, there are significant barriers for the virus to jump from humans to animals, and vice versa. Knowing the science about how the virus transmits could help combat the abundance of misinformation amid the epidemic.
World Health Organization advises washing your hands with soap and water after contact with outside world. It’s the pet owners, rather than pets, that have a higher risk of spreading the virus.
Stay healthy around animals: There is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time.
However, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
Wash your hands after handling anything from outside, like food packs, waste, or supplies.
Practice good pet hygiene and clean up pets properly.
Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
What should pet parents do? “Embrace your pets”. Pets play a vital psycho-psychological role for their owners, specially now when everybody’s feeling so isolated and alone. This is the time to hug your pet but not your human loved one. So let’s keep the social distancing focused on human beings, and if you need to hug something, hug your dog or your cat or whatever. It will be good for your pet too.
Namrata Hakhoo
Founder
Hakhoo Street Animals Foundation Trust Jammu
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