A Tiger Tested Positive For Coronavirus In NY, Take Care Of Your Pets – SAVAN

Small Animal Veterinary Association of Nigeria (SAVAN) has come out to say that pet owners should ensure personal hygiene, hand washing and good sanitation practices before and after caring for their animals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Kunle Abiade, the President of the Association, revealed that this would reduce the possibility of cross-transmission of COVID-19 between animals and humans during this period.

According to him, pet owners should also make sure their pets do not wander about to prevent unwarranted interactions with other people.

He added a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 in Tiger at a Zoo in New York and another identical diagnosis in a cat in Belgium means pet owners must be extra careful.

His words, “The attention of SAVAN has been drawn to the concerns of pet owners who desire to know the possibility of cross transmission of COVID-19 between animals and man.

“This is in view of the diagnosis of COVID-19 in Tiger at a Zoo in New York and also on the heels of similar diagnosis in a cat in Belgium,”

“So, the viral disease ensuing qualifies as zoonotic. In real terms, zoonotic diseases have the potential of cross transmitting from animal to man or from man to animals. Once zoonotic, the potential are always there.

“And because of the fact that over 70 per cent of human diseases originate from animals, it stands to reason that the possibility exists, even if remote as this time.

“However, no scientific evidence has yet been found in these isolated events as to the origin of the disease in the affected animals or whether they are capable of transmitting it to their close contacts.

“It is our opinion in SAVAN that while studying the situation, as a lot of research is needed to elucidate the interactions, we implore pet owners not to panic and maintain healthy relationships with their pets,”

“Similar measures as aforementioned should also be extended to other animals that are always in close proximity with humans.

“While researches are on-going and the facts are unraveling, it is expedient that we maintain responsible pet ownership to enjoy the uncommon relationship we have with our pets.”