Kapanlagi.com - Recently, two cats in New York were declared infected with coronavirus covid-19. This is not the first time, previously a tiger in the Bronx zoo was also reported to be infected with the virus. The Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US suspect that the cats were infected by their owners.
Coronavirus has indeed infected people worldwide, and this virus can also nest in animals because covid-19 virus can be transmitted from humans to animals. Symptoms that occur in infected animals include mild cough and runny nose for a week.
Quoted from IFL Science, White House health advisor for the corona outbreak, Dr. Anthony Fauci, emphasized that to date there is no evidence that the new coronavirus causing covid-19 can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although, to date the number of animals confirmed to be exposed to the coronavirus worldwide is very low, it is still advisable to follow the prevention guidelines from WSAVA for pets:
1. Should You Avoid Contact with Pets?
According to CDC recommendations, they emphasize that you should avoid contact with pets if you are infected with the coronavirus. If not, there is no prohibition on direct contact with pets.
The direct contact referred to here includes petting, kissing, hugging, licking, and sharing food. Therefore, if you have symptoms similar to COVID-19, it is advisable to entrust your pet to prevent transmission.
2. Can Animals Exposed to Corona Transmit it to Humans?
(credit: freepik)
So far, there is no fundamental evidence that pets can transmit the virus to humans. However, WHO suggests washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer after contact with pets.
This can protect against common bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
3. What to Do If Pets Have Symptoms of Covid-19
(credit: freepik)
Although there is no evidence that animals can transmit the coronavirus to humans, taking precautionary measures is necessary to reduce the risk of transmission. If your pet shows symptoms of Covid-19, immediately contact the available hotline.
The coronavirus hotline number in Indonesia is 021-5210411 or 081212123119. If you are advised to have your pet checked at the nearest clinic, follow the advice. However, if the doctor has not recommended it, it is better not to go to the doctor.
4. What to Do If Pets Live in an Outbreak Area
(credit: freepik)
Of course, to prevent it, it is better to reduce contact with pets. In addition, do not forget to wash your hands before and after contact with animals, stay at home with pets, maintain cleanliness, it is advisable to continue wearing a mask when interacting with animals, and most importantly, temporarily avoid walking activities with pets while this pandemic is still ongoing.
Those are some things that pet owners need to know in the midst of a pandemic. In addition, the most important thing to pay attention to is to continue to maintain the health of pets.
(kpl/dtm/gen)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.