No evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted from domestic animals to humans – NSPCA
This virus is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
It has come to the attention of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) that misinformation regarding animals and the Covid-19 virus is being spread.
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The NSPCA released a statement earlier today assuring the public that there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted from domestic animals to humans.
“It is unclear whether or not this virus is transmittable from wild animals to humans, and therefore we continue to strongly discourage interactions with wild animals – not only for ethical reasons, but now for health reasons too.”
The NSPCA cautions the public to not rely on news spread by those not directly involved in the study of the Covid-19 virus.
The misinformation being circulated implies that domestic animals are the source of transmission – this is simply not true.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit Covid-19.
This virus is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
The council encourages people to obtain their information from reliable sources, such as the WHO website which is kept current and is factual.
The NSPCA adds that if you cannot afford to take care of your pet, to rather surrender it to your local SPCA as opposed to abandoning, dumping, or discarding it.
They also reminded people that while they are taking care of themselves, to remember their animals (domestic, farm, captive wild animals) at this time too, and ensure that there are adequate resources to ensure their survival.
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