The CDC recommendations to avoid Corona Virus include washing hands and keeping social distance. There have been stories in the news over the past months reporting people who do not understand how the virus spreads thinking they could catch it from their pets. Some have asked for euthanasia of healthy pets due to this misinformation.
You cannot catch the Corona virus (Covid-19) from pets.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Organisation for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the coronavirus.
Shelters are seeing an uptick in surrendered pets, due to myths about how it spreads, but also due to those who get sick and don't have a plan for their animals.
What can you do?
-Educate family and friends that their pets are safe to keep with them during this pandemic.
-Have a plan for who will care for your pets if you become too ill to stay home with them. This plan should have several layers of people who can be called upon to care for your pets. Include contact information of each person.
-Have crates, food, and extra supplies on hand for movement and relocation of pets if necessary.
-Pets should have proper identification: a collar with ID tag and a microchip with current, up-to date contact information.
My LTE was published on 3/19:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/letters/story/2020/mar/19/letters-editors/518605/