NEW! COVID-19 and Animals - FAQs for Veterinarians

COVID-19 and Animals - Frequently Asked Questions for Veterinarians

This document was developed by a working group consisting of Canadian

public health and animal health experts, representation from the CVMA,

federal and provincial/territorial governments, and academia.

It considers all research on coronaviruses and COVID-19, and expert opinion.

This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions

expressed are solely the author's, and not necessarily the author's employer,

organization, committee or other group or individual.

The findings and conclusions represent the working group's consensual opinions,

but not necessarily unanimous opinions, and do not necessarily represent

the views of the participants’ respective organizations .

This information is preliminary and will be updated

as further information becomes available.

The document COVID-19 and Animals - Frequently Asked Questions for Veterinarians (March 30, 2020 ) addresses the following questions.

What is the evidence that animals can become infected and develop illness from the SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 illness in humans)?

If an animal becomes infected, what is the evidence that it can transmit the virus to other people or animals?

What is the evidence that animals can act as fomites to mechanically transmit the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus from a human case to another person?

Can livestock become infected with the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus?

As a veterinarian or animal health professional, I am concerned about working around animals (pets/livestock) that have been exposed to people with COVID-19. Are there any extra precautions I should be taking?

My clients heard about animals testing positive for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), and are worried about their health and the health of their families. What advice should I be providing?

My client was ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), and is now worried that their pet could be an ongoing source of infection for others. Is this a concern?

I have clients requesting testing for their animals for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Is there a test and if so, what are the procedures for testing?

Working Group Members:

Ana Ulmer-Franco, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

Andrea Ellis, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Andrea Osborn, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Brian Radke, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture

Dale Douma, Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development

Erin Fraser, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control

Indervesh Dahiya, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Isabelle Picard, Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec

Joanne Tataryn, Public Health Agency of Canada

Karen Gowdy, Ontario Ministry of Health

Lisa Joachim, Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development

Logan Flockhart, Public Health Agency of Canada

Maureen Anderson, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Michelle Groleau, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Richard Rusk, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living

Scott Weese, Ontario Veterinary College

Shane Renwick, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Sharon Calvin, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Tom Smylie, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

CVMA COVID-19 Landing Page

The CVMA has created a COVID-19 Landing Page featuring relevant information and documents to keep you up-to-date on the current situation.

Please visit the page regularly for updates.

Human Resources

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You are receiving this message as a member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The CVMA is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine.