We have heard conflicting reports about the potential spread of COVID-19 to and from people and animals, and between animals. Many government and industry officials have stated that there is no evidence that dogs and cats can transmit the virus to humans. Yet, as discussed by veterinary pathologists in a recent paper, the “absence of
Public Health
COVID-19 testing in pets in light of two pet cats testing positive in New York
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Two pet cats in New York have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as just announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). See Confirmation of COVID-19 in Two Pet Cats in New York.
The cats,…
Animal Models Remain Vital for COVID-19 Research
Despite activists’ rhetoric that animal models are not necessary for the advancement of biomedical research and development, the criticality of the continued use of animal models in biomedical research is highlighted by Americans for Medical Progress and the Foundation for Biomedical Research (see respectively, AMP’s COVID-19 Resources The Critical Role of Animals in Developing COVID-19…
COVID 19 Update Telemedicine: Enhanced Tools Available for Veterinarians
FDA has recently announced it is relaxing its enforcement of telemedicine for veterinarians under two federal provisions: (1) when prescribing extralabel drug use; and (2) when prescribing medicate feed pursuant to the Veterinary Feed Directive. Both generally require an initial physical examination of animals prior to such prescription.
FDA only enforces certain regulations governing a…
Update: Universities and Colleges: Coronavirus Planning Must Include Protecting Animals on Campus
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
As concerns about coronavirus continue to escalate, universities and colleges have taken advantage of spring break to protect students and staff from circulating virus, and many are planning on remote teaching for the rest of the semester. For schools with students who remain at on campus residences and/or employees with service or emotional support animals,…
Updated: Coronavirus Response Plans for Veterinary Practices
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
As predicted, COVID-19 is spreading throughout the United States and globally. State and Federal governmental agencies have implemented emergency response plans for highly contagious diseases, and businesses of all kinds are working to protect their employees and customers while maintaining business continuity if the coronavirus continues to spread.
Today, as we prepare for a new…
Best Practices for Meat Producers
By Olivia F. Fajen on
Beef producers and packers have been required for years to “identify hazard points and critical points during beef slaughtering, which is a necessary first step toward developing a hazard analysis and critical control point system to control meat contamination by Escherichia coli O157:H7.” See R. Guyon, et. al, Hazard Analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Contamination …
Guest Blog “Careless rescue importation exposes people to zoonotic disease” by Patti Strand
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Originally posted on July 9, 2018 at NAIA Official Blog, reposted with permission.
More troubling news from the wild world of rescue import has been picked up by the Worms & Germs blog : a rescue dog with a known history of chronic health issues is imported into a private U.S. shelter from Thailand…
Increasingly popular backyard chickens should be permitted but regulated to protect human and animal health.
An interesting study about ordinances governing backyard poultry ownership in Colorado was recently published, titled “A Method for Guarding Animal Welfare and Public Health: Tracking the Rise of Backyard Poultry Ordinances” (the “Report”).
The Report “tracks the development of municipal ordinances, with attention to provisions for animal health and welfare and significant concerns…
Some dogs may be unsuitable for adoption
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
While rescue and adoption have largely replaced traditional pet sales, these marketing channels have increasing risks, especially since the “no-kill shelter” movement is being promoted by many.
In addition to risk from infectious, contagious diseases, sometimes fatal, there are risks from the adoption of dogs with known behavioral abnormalities, including predatory aggression.
As reported in…