POLOKWANE – Despite numerous social media posts as well as articles in the media, there are still people that are misinformed about animals and the Covid-19 virus.
The National SPCA (NSPCA) assures readers that there is no evidence that the Covid-19 virus can be transmitted from domestic animals to humans.
Selma Landman, Manager at SPCA Polokwane explains it is not clear whether or not this virus is transmittable from wild animals to humans, and therefore the SPCA continue to strongly discourage interactions with wild animals, not only for ethical reasons but for health reasons too.
“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.”
Regarding the Covid-19 lockdown, the SPCA has put the following measures in place:
• If there is a lockdown the SPCA will need to ensure that staff stay on the property to care for the animals and they are provided for with a place to sleep, bathroom facilities, food, cooking area, fridge and biosecurity.
• Inspectors need to make contact with Disaster Management in their city to ensure that they know that they are an essential service and will be operating during the lockdown time. They will follow protocols by wearing masks, have disinfectant with them and wearing latex gloves. Inspectors will be able to travel within their jurisdiction unhindered to attend to abandoned animals where people may have been taken to hospital and attend to emergencies and investigate cruelty cases.
• Before they return to their homes, they should disinfect themselves so that they don’t carry home any germs. Wet wipes or disinfectant solution can be used to spray clothes, hands, vehicles.
• Some societies have had animals surrendered due to the COVID-19 panic. It is advised that the SPCA to not discourage people from surrendering their animals due to the panic as they would not know what will happen to the animals.
• The SPCA should not stop to assist animals in need.
“Even thou we should carry on with the mandate of the NSPCA, we will still follow and abide by the protocols implemented by the state,” says Landman.
