Buttercup. (David Opinko)

By David Opinko

members of the family

Pets and COVID-19: what you need to know

Mar 17, 2020 | 7:30 PM

The Canadian Veterinary Association (CVA) has put out a guide for pet owners of how to keep their animals, and by extension, themselves safe.

“There is currently no evidence to suggest that this virus is circulating in animals in Canada.”

While it is possible that some types of animals could be infected with COVID-19, the CVA says there is also no evidence that pets of other animals can spread it.

Research is still being done into this matter, but until then, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet or other animal, the CVA makes the following recommendations:

• Avoid close contact with them
  • Do not snuggle or kiss them or let them lick you, sit on your lap, or sleep in your bed
• Practise good cough etiquette
  • Avoid coughing or sneezing on your animals
• Have another member of your household care for your animals
• Always wash your hands before touching or feeding them
• Limit your animal’s contact with other people and animals
  • This may mean keeping them indoors

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To date, the CVA says there have not been any reports of livestock being infected by COVID-19 anywhere.

“However, livestock producers should follow normal biosecurity measures as always. This includes limiting visitors or workers who may have travelled to, or been in contact with, someone from an affected area.”

For more information about on-farm disease prevention, producers are encouraged to consult:

• National Biosecurity Standards and Biosecurity Principles
• National Farm-Level Biosecurity Planning Guide

Although international travel is not recommended at this time, if you are abroad, the CVA says to avoid contact with animals including wild meat and wet (live animal) markets.

“Experts agree that the virus likely originated from bats and may have passed through an intermediary animal source (currently unknown) in China before being transmitted to humans.”

All animals entering Canada must meet import requirements set out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Officials with Central Alberta Humane Society say their office hours have now been reduced under the current threat of the spread of COVID-19.

The facility is currently closed to the public but open by appointment only Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and closed on Sundays and Mondays until further notice.