Hey AMSH Family! We have had some questions in regard to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) so we are going to give you guys the latest information regarding it and how it may affect your family (furry ones included).

As of right now, there is only 1 reported case of a dog being positive for COVID-19, and it was in Hong Kong. They were initially tested, and the results were a weak positive, and there forth they were routinely tested in which all of the tests came back positive. This means the dog was positive for a low-level infection of COVID-19. It is important to know that this dog was owned by someone who was positive for COVID-19. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Hong Kong said “Experts from the School of Public Health of The University of Hong Kong, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) have been consulted, and unanimously agreed that these results suggest that the dog has a low level of infection and it is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission. The dog has not shown any signs of disease related to COVID-19. It is currently under quarantine at the animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge…”  The spokesperson for AFCD emphasized greatly that there is no current evidence that pet animals can be a source of COVID-19. Aside from that maintaining good hygiene practices, Pet Parents should not be abundantly concerned and under absolutely no reason should they abandon their pets. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) released a statement:

“According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no animals in the United States have been identified with the virus, and there is no evidence that dogs or other pets can spread COVID-19. 

The CDC recommends that people who are sick with COVID-19 restrict contact with their pets and other animals, just like you would restrict contact with other people. When possible, a member of the household other than the individual who is ill should care for any animals in the household…”

“… We will keep you updated as we learn more. At this time, the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) say there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, spread COVID-19… As always, it is a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals, and animal owners should continue to include pets and other animals in their emergency preparedness planning, including keeping a two-week supply of food and medications on hand.”

Some key things to know about COVID-19:

• SARS-COVID 19 is a new strain of the coronavirus, it is a new virus that was first diagnosed in Hubei province, it has spread quickly and now has a mortality rate in humans of 0.7%-2.3%.
• The mortality rate varies based on the geographic area. 2.3% is inside the Wuhan area, and 0.7% is outside… which leaves the mortality rate much lower worldwide.
• A vaccine is in the works; however, it is about a year out so it will not be able to help us through the next couple of months.
• PPE (personal protection equipment) should be reserved for those who ARE sick, and medical professionals dealing with the virus on the frontline.

How to help stop the spread: 

• Stop shaking hands, waving and other greeting forms are recommended. Ex: a Peace sign, head nod, smile…
• Good hygiene- wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, Examples of things to sing: The Happy Birthday song twice, the chorus of Jolene by Dolly Parton, the chorus of Africa by Toto, or the chorus of Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
• Always wash with soap and water, if that is not available an alcohol substitution of at least 60-90% alcohol should suffice.
• Avoid touching your face, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your environment (keyboards, doorknobs, workspaces) regularly with disinfectants such as Lysol, or bleach.
• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IF YOU ARE SICK.

AVMA Website: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19

AFCD Press Release: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/publications/publications_press/pr2335.html