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Experts say the coronavirus that broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan started in wild bats. What does that mean for our pets? Can they also get the virus? Seven questions and answers.
Please note: the situation surrounding the coronavirus changes daily. For the most up-to-date information, visit the RIVM website.
1. Can my pet get sick from the coronavirus?
RIVM reports that there is as yet no evidence that pets, such as dogs and cats, become ill from the coronavirus, or that they spread the virus to people.
2. Can the virus survive on my dog, cat or rabbit’s fur and be transmitted by petting?
As mentioned above, there is as yet no indication that the virus is spread through pets or that they become ill from it. The RIVM does advise people infected with COVID-19 to avoid contact with pets as much as possible. More about this in question 4.
3. Can I still walk the dog safely?
Anyone who does not suffer from complaints such as fever, cough or other cold complaints can simply walk the dog. If you keep at least an arm’s length away from others, there is little chance that others can infect you with the coronavirus or that you infect others.
4. My pet has been in contact with someone who has contracted the virus. What now?
It is not necessary to take additional measures. General hygiene measures for handling pets, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water, are sufficient.
5. I have the coronavirus and I am in home isolation. How should I handle my pets?
Anyone who is in home isolation as a corona patient and lives with several people will stay in a separate room in the house. Please do not allow pets in that room with you. Housemates can take care of the pets.
Do you live alone and are you infected with the virus? Then the RIVM advises to avoid direct contact with pets. That means: no petting, hugging, kissing or licking. Your dog may be walked by someone else, or you can ask someone else to take care of the pet.
6. I have the coronavirus and am hospitalized. What should I do with my pet?
You can have your pet taken care of by others. If it is not possible for others to care for the animal, for example, put it in an animal shelter.
There are also other – free – initiatives that help people take care of a pet during a hospital stay. Dierenbuddy of the Dierenbescherming is one such initiative. Click here for more information. The help is only intended for the elderly and chronically ill who cannot finance paid help and who hardly have a social network.
7. What should I do if my pet becomes ill and has been in contact with a corona patient?
Contact the vet. For the time being, there is no reason to assume that pets will get sick from the coronavirus.
Source: RIVM