ISVMA Urges Hygiene, Patience in
Understanding Coronavirus’ Potential Effects on Pets
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[April 07, 2020]
SPRINGFIELD
– The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) reports
that there is no current scientific evidence that pets can become
sick by contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) from humans or other
animals.
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However, ISVMA officials suggest pet owners
observe proper human hygiene when caring for their companion
animals. This includes the recommendation of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and other public health organizations to wash
your hands for at least 20 seconds. It also asks for patience as
international health care agencies understand how the coronavirus
(COVID-19) spreads from human to human, as well as the potential of
cross contamination between humans and animals.
“At this point in time, in-depth and experiential information as to
how humans and animals can become infected with coronavirus is in
the preliminary stages,” says ISVMA Board of Directors President Dr.
Olivia Rudolphi, of Rudolphi Veterinary Services in Noble, Ill..
“The best practice that any pet owner can currently follow is to
take care of themselves first by following proper personal hygiene
when dealing with this outbreak: Wash your hands before and after
interacting with your pets or livestock to avoid contamination.”
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Dr. Rudolphi urges the use of hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes
and other preventative care items for the pet owner, but notes that
sanitizers and cleansers are not approved for use on or around pets.
She also suggests that pet owners limit interaction with other
people to avoid the potential spread of the virus. Other precautions
to consider with pets are to avoid kisses from them, sharing beds
with companion animals and exposure with people in your household
who may be ill. And please be socially conscious about your pet
getting involved with other humans and pets, including when walking
dogs or when dogs play in public parks.
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“Stay at home; avoid interaction with large groups of
people and limit contact with anyone you may know who may be sick,”
Rudolphi says. “Limiting your pet’s exposure to individuals and
other pets will help keep coronavirus -- or any pathogen -- from
spreading from host to host, be it human or animal.”
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),
there is currently no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to
other animals, including people. Definitive answers on how to combat
this virus continue will continue to unfold as time goes on. To
learn more from the AVMA about coronavirus and pets can be read at
https://www.avma.
org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19 .
Illinois veterinarians’ profession is the health and welfare of
companion pets and livestock in the 102 counties in the state. The
ISVMA is a professional association representing more than 2,500
member veterinarians, veterinary and technician students and
Certified Veterinary Technicians from around the state to promote
and protect veterinary practices. ISVMA leaders and members study a
multitude of cutting-edge medical and business practices, as well as
pertinent legislation to determine their impact on pets, animals and
their human caretakers.
[Ryan Keith
RK PR Solutions]
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