The first pet cat in the UK has been confirmed to have the Coronavirus this week. Although this is the first confirmed case of an animal infection with the Coronavirus strain in the UK, there is no evidence to suggest that the animal was involved in transmission of the disease to its owners or that pets or other domestic animals are able to transmit the virus to people.
To read the full DEFRA statement please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-confirmed-in-pet-cat-in-the-uk
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “On the 27th July the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet cat in the UK.”
“As far as we are know this is the first confirmed case of a domestic cat testing positive for Covid-19 in the UK and it should not be cause for alarm, and especially not here in Guernsey.”
“The investigation into the case suggests the infection was spread from humans to animal, not the other way round, and that this is extremely rare with only a handful of cases across the world.”
“With the border restrictions we have here in Guernsey and the fact there have been no cases in over 2 months adds extra reassurance here in the Bailiwick, but at the GSPCA we never know where a cat may have come from when it arrives in our care whether found sick or injured or as a stray as well as the work we do with the authorities.”
“We also board pets which can include those having to self isolate when they arrive in Guernsey and we have strict measures in place to care for these animals that have come from outside of our borders as well as those we carry out pet passport checks.”
“Thankfully at this time, there is no evidence that pets can transmit the disease to humans, but it is best to be safe and follow the advice.”
“The advice being given is as a precaution, to avoid any risks to the cat, people who are suspected of having, or known to have COVID-19 which includes those self isolating after travel out of the Bailiwick or Isle of Man should be particularly careful by minimising contact with their cat and washing their hands with soap and hot water before and after handling.”
“For those traveling into Guernsey with cats and ferrets from outside of Guernsey where there is Covid-19 the States of Guernsey has issued some advice which can be seen by going to https://covid19.gov.gg/sites/default/files/2020-06/Guidance%20on%20Pet%20Imports%20-%2020th%20June%202020.pdf .”
“You can also see lots for information by visiting https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/pets-livestock .”
“If your pet has respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, it is always best to contact your vet for advice as we would advise for any ailments.”
“Every day is a real struggle to raise the funds to run the GSPCA during these difficult days.”
“For those wanting to donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal you can by calling 01481 257261, by post, at the Shelter or online via our web page https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“Another great way to supporting is by donating each month and to find out details please visit this web page http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
Donations by post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
The States of Guernsey advice to cat owners on their page is currently –
It is possible that COVID-19 can be passed between cats (and ferrets), as a precaution, we advise that:
- You keep your cat(s)/ferret(s) indoors if they have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and contact your vet for advice.
- You wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after pets.
We have asked for specific advice about cat and ferret owners from the States of Guernsey. Due to the evidence that suggests that cats and ferrets can contract COVID-19 from humans, as well as other cats/ferrets some of the advice to those traveling to the Bailiwick of Guernsey with cats or ferrets some of the advice is as follows -
- Cats and ferrets should be kept indoors for at least 2 weeks following collection.
- If your pet has respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, contact your vet for advice.
Similarly, on the pets and livestock guidance The States of Guernsey have stated the following:
Advice to cat owners:
It is possible that COVID-19 can be passed between cats (and ferrets), as a precaution, we advise that:
•You keep your cat(s)/ferret(s) indoors if they have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and contact your vet for advice.
•You wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after pets.
The risk to humans is low but the concern is the spread between cats and ferrets. Although they’ve stated the symptoms, it is possible that a cat could have the virus but show no symptoms.
For the full and up to date information in regards pets and States of Guernsey advice on Covid-19 please visit - https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/pets-livestock
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the last two weeks or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
The GSPCA continues with all essential services and we plane to phase other services back into operation and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-take-cautious-approach-returning-new-normal-%E2%80%93-gspca-plan-our-services-and-volunteers-retu
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For volunteering information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
Post new comment