COVID-19 Related Resources for Veterinarians

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a novel coronavirus not previously identified in humans, that has been named SARS-CoV-2. It was first recognized in December-2019 in Wuhan, China, as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia in people. It is suspected that the COVID-19 virus may have first been transmitted to people at a seafood market where other live animals and animal products were present, but the animal species of origin is still unclear. Since then, transmission of the virus has been primarily person-to-person, particularly through close contact. Even though many household pets have undoubtedly been exposed to the virus by their owners, there have been no reports of illness in animals associated with exposure to COVID-19. Currently there is no evidence that any domestic animals (pets, livestock or poultry) pose a risk of transmission to people.

Below is a list of resources for veterinary staff and animal owners related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation in Ontario and around the world continues to evolve and more is learned about the virus, these resources will be updated, and OAHN will continue to add useful resources to this list as they become available.

For veterinarians in Ontario, some helpful links to refer to when discussing COVID-19 with your clients and staff:

Species specific resources (OAHN and other)

Veterinary mental health resources

 

General Infection Control Resources:

Infection prevention and control best practices for small animal veterinary clinics (general)

National biosecurity standards and biosecurity principles (livestock, poultry, bees)

National farm-level biosecurity planning guide

 

COVID-19 Resources: Animal Health (Canada)

Council of Chief Veterinary Officers position statement: Testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2 (Nov-2020)

COVID-19 and animals: FAQ for veterinarians (Mar-2021)(Canadian public and animal health working group)

Canadian Animal Health Institute (COVID-19 webinar 09-Apr-2020, handouts & recording)

College of Veterinarians of Ontario (information updates for Ontario veterinarians)

Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (COVID-19 FAQ) – Member login required

Worms & Germs Blog (COVID-19 posts)

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (COVID-19 FAQ)

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (latest information on food safety and animal health)

Public Health Agency of Canada (Animals and COVID-19)

Ontario public health resources, updates, and signage to post in clinics

Public Health Ontario (how to care for exposed pets and other animals)

 

COVID-19 Resources: Animal Health (US/International)

International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (current state of knowledge for veterinary health care providers)

American Veterinary Medical Association (what veterinarians need to know)

University of Florida Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program (preparedness for animal shelters)

UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (advice for people with animals – dogs, cats, horses, livestock)

World Small Animal Veterinary Association (advice and resources)

World Organization For Animal Health (OIE)(COVID-19 FAQ related to animals)

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)(Qualitative exposure assessment for SARS-CoV-2 from animals)

 

COVID-19 Resources: Human Health

Ontario.ca COVID-19 homepage

World Health Organization COVID-19 homepage