Animal studies have and will continue to serve an essential role in medical development and public and animal health. This stays true for the current global efforts to find treatments and vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Animal studies are not only critical for understanding pathogenesis of COVID-19, but also
Coronavirus
Telemedicine for Veterinary Practices during COVID-19
By Bunyad Bhatti on
As the spread of COVID-19 continues to increase rapidly across the globe, there are still many uncertainties between the relationship of animals and the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is only aware of a small number of animals infected with the virus after close contact with infected people. While human to…
A Cautionary Tale About COVID-19 and Animals
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
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…
Part 2: What can employers in the agricultural industry do to protect their employees from COVID-19 and prevent strikes?
In Part 1 of this blog, we discussed the new interim guidance for meat processing plants. To combat concerns of a devastating reduction in our food supply chain, President Trump issued an Executive Order requiring processing plants to stay open. Despite that order, some employees at these processing plants have expressed an intent not to…
Part 1: What can meat processing facilities do to protect their essential employees from COVID-19 and comply with federal and state guidelines.
Workers in essential industries are increasingly concerned about their health and safety in the workplace. This is most clearly evidenced by the recent strikes, or threats of strikes, by employees at large manufacturing and distribution centers. Further, meat processing plants are reporting an increasing number of employees contracting COVID-19, requiring these plants to shut down…
COVID 19 Update Telemedicine: Enhanced Tools Available for Veterinarians
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
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…
COVID 19 PROVES THAT ANIMAL RESEARCH REMAINS VITAL TO HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Despite myths perpetuated by animal activists, animal models remain critical to ensure that vaccines developed to prevent COVID 19 infections do not make those patients worse as a result of such treatment, as Dr. Fauci recently acknowledged during a briefing at the White House.
As also reported in Catching up to Coronavirus: Top 60 Treatments …
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…