Global Challenges: COVID19
The COVID-19 outbreak is an unprecedented public health crisis that requires action from all in order to protect our future
We are heartened to see people worldwide stepping up. HealthforAnimals and our Members, manufacturers of veterinary medicines, diagnostics and other animal health products, are also doing our part. Many of our companies are:
- Protecting employees by expanding telework and instituting new practices in manufacturing such as temperature checks and staggered schedule to limit staff interaction
- Donating personal protective equipment to hospitals and enabling staff with medical backgrounds to take leave to join the COVID-19 response
- Strengthening our supply chains to ensure pets and livestock continue to receive the medicines, diagnostics and care they need, even in times of lockdown or quarantines
This is only a selection of how we’re taking action.
Read ‘COVID-19: How we are Acting‘ to see
all the ways we are supporting the global response.
Pets and Livestock during COVID-19
It’s important that animals in our charge continue to receive care during the COVID-19 crisis, even when governments enact ‘lock-downs’ or movement restrictions. Declaring veterinarians and medicines as ‘essential’ helps ensure the necessary expertise and tools remain available to animal owners during the COVID-19 crisis.
Experts are also continually monitoring how the illness may affect animals. Although there have been isolated cases of companion animals testing positive, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), states there is “no evidence that companion animals are playing a role in the spread” and “the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission.“
Additional Information
HealthforAnimals has also published:
- Statement on COVID-19 – Published on 19 March and outlines steps companies are taking to continue movement of medicines
- Caring for Pets during COVID-19 Outbreak – Created in partnership with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
- Vets are on the COVID-19 frontlines – They need greater support to maintain supply chains – HealthforAnimals op-ed in Euronews
- China’s coronavirus outbreak proves we must pay closer attention to animal health – HealthforAnimals op-ed in the Telegraph
The organisations and materials listed below also offer valuable information on the current state of the COVID-19 outbreak in relation to animal health.
Note: HealthforAnimals does not monitor the content of external pages for accuracy. We encourage readers to confirm information is up-to-date before relying on it or contact the organisation for more detail.
IGOs and Governments
World Organisation for Animal Health | Q&A on the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) |
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation | Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
World Health Organisation | Q&A on Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
U.S. Centers for Disease Control | COVID-19: ‘If You Have Animals’ |
European Commission DG Sante | COVID-19 and Food Safety |
Veterinary Associations
World Small Animal Veterinary Association | COVID-19 Advice and Resources |
World Veterinary Association | Covid-19 and Designation of Veterinary Work as Essential Business |
Federation of Veterinarians of Europe | Coronavirus & the veterinary profession |
American Veterinary Medical Association | COVID-19: What Veterinarians Need to Know |
British Veterinary Association | Coronavirus: What we know so far |