The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has issued a guidance note to veterinary professionals on the subject of Covi-19 and passive transfer to animals.
Included is a protocol for veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses to assist their clients or pet owners who may be concerned for their animal’s welfare or suspect that their animal may have contracted the virus.
The Council acknowledges that recent reports of dogs, cats and even zoo tigers and lions testing positive for the virus should be taken seriously. However, the Council advises that there is currently no indication that pet animals such as cats and dogs are active transmitters of the infection to humans. This view is shared by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
The Council provided the following Recommended protocol for veterinary professionals when advising their clients:
The Veterinary Council also acknowledged the veterinary professionals who are continuing to work and provide veterinary care during the current period.
Joe Moffitt, President of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, said “The Veterinary Council of Ireland would like to commend all registrants who continue to practise veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing to the highest professional standards while adhering to HSE, public health and Government guidelines and operating in a spirit of collegiality despite the obstacles posed by the current pandemic”.
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