Corona 19 re-spread tax is scary.

Some experts are still calling attention that the spread of Corona 19 has not peaked.

Until the end of Corona 19, it is important to thoroughly observe the quarantine regulations and follow the instructions of the quarantine authorities.



But suddenly, I wonder if the companion animal living with us needs social distancing.



Most experts say that'social distancing' is necessary in that animals can also be exposed to corona19 virus infection.

Of course, there are few cases of infection and rarely show clinical symptoms, but cases of animals infected with Corona 19 are still reported.

The world's first animal corona19 infection case came from Hong Kong.

On February 26th, a 17-year-old Pomeranian raised by a woman with corona19 confirmed positive results.

The subject has died now, but it is estimated that the cause of death was not Corona 19, but old age.

Since then, two more dogs and five cats have been infected in Hong Kong, and eight cases have been reported so far.




According to World Animal Health Organization (OIE) statistics, cases of COVID-19 animal infections that originated in Hong Kong have led to Belgium, the United States, France, Spain, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, with a total of 32 animals in 11 countries as of August. There were reports of infection.

There were 19 cats, the most common, and dogs second (11).

In addition to dogs and cats, there have been cases of infection with one lion and one tiger, which were wild animals at the Bronx Zoo in New York, USA, and infection was confirmed in early April.

In addition, cases of Corona 19 infection occurred in mink farms in Denmark and the Netherlands, attracting attention.

When analyzing the cases of corona19 infection in animals, most of the individuals were asymptomatic, and only some individuals had respiratory symptoms.



In a previous column, he mentioned that'the possibility of pets such as dogs and cats becoming infected with Corona 19 is very low' and argued that'Please do not throw away pets due to excessive anxiety about animal infection', but the same is true now.

Still, the likelihood of infection of animals is much lower than that of humans, and some positive cases are estimated as'positive test results due to environmental pollution', so there should never be abandonment of companion animals due to concerns about the transmission of Corona 19.



In particular, there is no evidence that animals transmit Corona 19 to humans, and there are no reports of infections in which animals transmit the virus to humans.

Michael Raffin, Chairman of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) One Health Committee, said, "It is difficult to say that dogs and cats are infected by routine exposure to the Corona 19 virus at this time. The main spread is from humans to humans." .

As of April 15th, 30 dogs, 17 cats, and 2 hamsters were tested in Hong Kong, but only 3 (2 dogs and 1 cat) were positive. Does not.



But why do experts say "companions also need social distancing"?

This is also the official position of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Coronaviruses are very mutated and there are many things that we do not know about the'Corona 19 virus' yet, so be careful and there is nothing bad.

Some people ask, "Isn't it okay because there are no cases of animal infection in Korea?"

However, since the inspection system differs from country to country, it cannot be concluded that there is no actual infection just because no cases of infection have been reported.



In Hong Kong, when a companion animal guardian is diagnosed with Corona 19, all companion animals raised by the confirmed patient are quarantined for 14 days while testing is conducted, whereas in Korea, even the companion animal of the corona 19 confirmed case is not mandatory. It means that it may not be found.

So, how about trying to distance your pets like us until the Corona 19 situation calms down?

Pet guardians try to minimize inviting people to the house and avoid contact with animals and people they don't know when walking with their dog.

It is better to keep your companion animal away from not only those who have been diagnosed with Corona 19 or who are suspected of being infected, but also from everyone who does not live with you at home.




1. Ongoing research is needed on the COVID-19 infection in animals.



There are insufficient animal clinical data on whether COVID-19 infection or contagion, and ongoing research is needed on the effects on animals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Veterinarians Association (AVMA), there is currently no evidence that companion animals are spreading the Corona 19 virus to humans or other animals.



2. If you have been diagnosed as suspected of corona19, please refrain from contact with pets.



If your companion has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is in self-quarantine, we recommend that you refrain from contact with animals and take care of other family members instead.

If the confirmed person inevitably needs to take care of a pet or live with a guide dog, they must wash their hands thoroughly before and after contact.



3. If your pet has abnormal symptoms and visits a veterinary clinic, please notify them by phone first.



When your pet comes into contact with a corona19 confirmed person or shows abnormal symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, when visiting a veterinary clinic, first notify a specialist about the situation by phone and describe the exact symptoms.



4. Maintaining a light walk is good for the health of your dog and dog, but it is better to stay away.



Walking plays an important role in the health and well-being of dogs and dogs, so a light walk is recommended.

However, it is recommended to keep at least 2m away from other people and animals while walking, and avoid places where many people and animals gather.

In addition, a 1:1 walk is recommended rather than walking with a large number of pets.



5. Pay special attention to the hygiene management of companion animals.



When you return home after a walk, wash your dog's mouth, nose, and feet, and dust off.

It is also important to regularly clean feed, water bowls, bedding and toys.



6. Try simple education that requires repetitive learning at home.



Even in a limited indoor space, you can play puzzle toys that stimulate the five senses of your pet or do simple educational training.

As the time spent with companion animals has increased, how about trying simple education such as'handshake' and'wait' that requires repeated learning?



7. Reduce stress on pets by adjusting the time spent together.



While keeping an eye on the improvement of Corona 19, please manage the time you spend with your pets appropriately.

If the time spent together at home is drastically reduced due to the end of work from home, etc., this can be another stress for your pet.



8. Increase your companion animal's immunity and prevent other diseases in advance.



Strengthening your companion animal's immunity helps prevent viruses as well as other diseases.

In addition, skin diseases, heartworm prevention drugs, antibiotics, virus vaccines, and medicines are used to prevent or treat serious diseases, parasites, and skin diseases. If you have any abnormal symptoms, please consult with a specialist at a nearby animal hospital.



9. At a time when everyone is sensitive, let's be more considerate of our neighbors.



As the COVID-19 situation prolonged, everyone spent more time at home, and concerns about hygiene and safety also increased.

When you go out with pets or when you go out with your pet, make sure that you thoroughly prepare related preparations such as leash and bowel treatment so that there is no inconvenience between neighbors.



* Reference: '9 Smart Pet Life Guides' (Provided by Joetis Korea)




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