March 17, 2020
We have all been affected by the recent and worldwide Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Many pet parents have reached out to us to ask about the risk to your pets, so we wanted to take some time to address questions and concerns surrounding the Coronavirus and COVID-19 while providing some valuable information from various sources, including the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).
COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that causes respiratory disease in humans. There are many types of coronaviruses that have been identified in a diversity of species including dogs, cats, birds, and others, but COVID-19 is a new strain different than others. Because this is a new strain, there is less known about it and because it has the potential to cause severe illness in people, many people are naturally concerned about their pets as well.
We do not definitively know if COVID-19 can infect pets and be spread by pets to other animals, including people. That being said, currently, there is no evidence that pets can become sick with COVID-19. Historically, coronaviruses have been species specific, only infecting one group of animals and not crossing species lines and COVID-19 appears to follow suit.
COVID-19 appears to be primarily transmitted by contact with an infected person’s bodily secretions, such as saliva or mucus droplets in a cough or sneeze. COVID-19 might be able to be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface or object (i.e. fomite) and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this appears to be a secondary route.
Smooth (non-porous) surfaces (e.g. countertops, doorknobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g. paper money, pet fur), because porous, and especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the pathogen (virus), making it harder to contract through simple touch.
Because your pet’s hair is porous and also fibrous, it is very unlikely that you would contract COVID-19 by petting or playing with your pet. However, because animals can spread other diseases to people and people can also spread diseases to animals, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands before and after interacting with animals; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed and regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys. Infectious disease experts, as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO (World Health Organization), indicate there is no evidence to suggest that small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, or chinchillas can be a source of infection with COVID-19, including spreading COVID-19 to people.
Preparation and education are key to ensuring the health and safety of you and your loved ones during any emergency situation, and the current COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. From a preparation standpoint, there are some basic steps you can and should take to make sure you and your pets stay safe during the weeks ahead.
As previously mentioned, stocking up on at least one month’s worth of your pet’s food and medications is advised at this time. If you cannot find your pet food stocked on store shelves, try looking and ordering online or using Oxbow’s store locator to find other local options.
In you find yourself in an extreme situation where you cannot find an adequate supply of fortified food for your small pets, please contact your trusted veterinarian right away for their recommended guidance for your particular animals. Depending on the species of your pet(s), they may help you formulate a plan for temporarily and slightly reducing the amount of pellets you provide while increasing the quantity of other essentials (e.g. leafy greens and hay in the case of herbivores). A drastic measure such as reducing food quantity should only be taken under extreme circumstances with the guidance of your trusted veterinarian.
Here are some useful links to help you learn more about the Coronavirus/COVID-19:
CDC.gov
