NSPCA warns about misinformation regarding Covid-19 in animals
It has come to light that misinformation relating to the Covid-19 virus is being circulated, implying that domestic animals are the source of transmission.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has assured the public that there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted from domestic animals to humans.
In light of recent information received by the NSPCA that certain entities are spreading misinformation regarding animals and the Covid-19 virus, the NSPCA cautions the public to not rely on the news spread by entities that are not directly involved in the study of the Covid-19 virus.
It has come to light that misinformation relating to the Covid-19 virus is being circulated, implying that domestic animals are the source of transmission.
According to the NSPCA, this is simply not true.
“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 organisation said.
Read: SPCA still operational during lockdown
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit Covid-19.
Covid-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
The public can research information thoroughly from reliable sources, such as WHO (https://www.who.int/) – this website is kept current and is factual.
The NSPCA also reminds the public that if you cannot afford to take care of your pet, rather surrender it to your local SPCA as opposed to abandoning, dumping, or discarding it.
• The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999 with any suspected cases of corona, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
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