No Evidence of COVID 19 transmission through pets: IVRI

Pashu Sandesh, 29 April 2020

Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Izzatnagar, a prominent veterinary research institution of India, has clarified that there is no evidence of transmission of COVID 19 infection through pets in the Humans. Since COVID19 is a zoonotic disease, which prompted the misconception that there could be an infection of humans through pets. This misconception has lead to reports of the abandoning of the pets by their owners. A clarification in this regard has also been issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

Clarification and advisory by ICAR-IVRI:

• Currently, there is no evidence that companion animals are playing a significant epidemiological role in this human disease. However, because animals and people can sometimes share diseases (known as zoonotic diseases), it is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19) limit contact with a companion and other animals. 
• When handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented. 
• This includes hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing, licking or sharing food. 
• When possible, people who are sick with COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pets and have another member of their household care for their animals. 
• If they must look after their pet, they should maintain good hygiene practices and wear a face mask if possible. 
• Animals belonging to owners infected with COVID-19 should be kept indoors as much as possible and contact with those pets should be avoided as much as possible. 
• Thus, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.