The veterinary doctors of the Compagnie des Animaux publish a video to allow pet owners to better live their confinement.
- A spike in pet adoption has been observed since the start of containment
- The risk of contamination of these animals or by these animals is not fully proven.
- However, some precautions should be taken.
Almost half of French people have a pet and are therefore confined to it. Contrary to what was feared, we have observed a peak in adoption since the start of confinement, in particular to occupy children and help them to better cope with this situation. But the French are worried, especially since a cat contracted the coronavirus in Belgium, a completely new situation. Do pets represent a risk of contamination during an epidemic?
No scientific proof of the role of animals in the epidemic
Veterinary doctors Anne-Claire Gagnon and Ludovic Freyburger, director of veterinary training at the company of animals publish a video to allay fears and allow pet owners to better live their confinement. “There is no evidence that cats and dogs transmit Covid-19. You must therefore continue to wash your hands after petting your animal, as always, and enjoy their company, which is even more precious to us at this time”recalls veterinary doctor Anne-Claire Gagnon.
A position shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) which confirms that “there is no evidence that pets, such as dogs or cats, can transmit Covid-19. The disease is mainly transmitted by the droplets expelled by infected people when they cough, sneeze or speak”. Likewise, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) asserts that “in view of the scientific knowledge then available, there is no evidence that pets and farm animals play a role in the spread of the disease.”
What to do in case of contamination?
What to do if you are confined with your pet and affected by Covid-19? “Although animals are not part of the chain of direct transmission to humans, they can become transmitters of the virus to others if the owner deposits their own viruses on their animal’s hair, as it is possible that the virus survives a few minutes or hours on the animal, as on plastic or metal surfaces for that matter”explains Veterinarian Ludovic Freyburger.
To limit the risks, do not let your pet lick your face if you are sick and wash your hands before and after each petting. Similarly, it is strongly recommended that the person taking the animal out in place of the owner places the leash and collar at the entrance, without the contaminated owner touching them. Veterinarians are concerned about the intentions of some owners who are looking for a way to disinfect their animal on returning from a walk: the answer is no, you should not use disinfectant products on your dog’s paws, this would cause burns.
What to do in case of emergency during confinement? “For life-threatening emergencies, this is still possible. You have to call to get your appointment, show up on time and come alone with your animal in order to respect the instructions put in place within the veterinary clinics which continue their activities”concludes Ludovic Freyburger.
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