By now everyone is up to speed on social distancing and hygiene protocols for humans, but infectious disease experts have said that people need to be conscious of who their pets are coming into contact with as well.
Last week Jacinda Ardern announced that we need to maintain a bubble saying "Whatever your bubble is for the month, this is the bubble you must maintain.” But Professor David Hayman, an infectious disease ecology expert at Massey University's veterinary science school, has urged pet owners to apply this rule to their furry friends as well. He stressed the importance of treating your animals "as if it's someone you do care for and love.”
We know that there is no evidence that cats and dogs can spread the Corona Virus, so why is it important that they maintain a ‘bubble’?
"If I cough on my hands, stroke a dog's head, and then a kid comes along, strokes the dog's head, and then touches their face ... that's a way of transferring infection,” says Hayman. So whilst we are all able to continue taking our dog’s for their daily walk, it is important to be mindful of who they are coming into contact with. Whatever your pet’s bubble is for the month, this is the bubble they should maintain.
It is also a good idea to not pat anyone else’s pet during this time, or allow others to pat your dog during your daily walk . “People should be conscious of contact with their own pet too,” say Hayman. “Hands are fine if washed, but faces should be kept apart because the virus can enter through the nose and mouth.”
Hayman also recommends keeping cats indoors to avoid anyone outside the bubble touching, and potentially spreading infectious germs, onto their fur.
Dr Helen Beattie, chief veterinary officer for the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), advised that anyone who had returned from overseas travel in the last 14 days, or had contact with a confirmed case, may want to reduce contact with pets.
While it may be confusing for your dog or cat to go through these lifestyle changes, it may help prevent the further spread of the virus.
Vets are considered essential businesses by the Government and will remain open during the lockdown.