The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has issued a guidance note to veterinary professionals on the subject of Covid-19 and “passive transfer to animals”.

Included is a protocol for veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses to assist animal or pet owners who may be concerned for their animal’s welfare or suspect that their animal may have contracted the virus.

The council says that it acknowledges that recent reports of dogs, cats and even (captive) zoo tigers and lions testing positive for the virus should be taken seriously.

However, the council advises that there is currently no indication that animals such as cats and dogs are active transmitters of the infection to humans. This view, the VCI says, is shared by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Spirit of collegiality

The VCI also acknowledged the veterinary professionals who are continuing to work and provide veterinary care during the current period.

Joe Moffitt, president of the VCI, said: “We would like to commend all registrants who continue to practice veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing to the highest professional standards, while adhering to HSE [Health Service Executive], public health and Government guidelines and operating in a spirit of collegiality – despite the obstacles posed by the current pandemic.”