Publications
September 9, 2020:Recommended Best Practices for Wisconsin Veterinary Clinics
May 13, 2020:Reopening Guidelines to Help Veterinary Practices
April 27, 2020:Guidance for Testing Animals for SARS-CoV-2
Resources
CDC: Recommendations for Pet Stores, Pet Distributors, and Pet Breeding Facilities
CDC: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Veterinary Clinics Treating Companion Animals
CDC: Considerations for Pets and Other Animals
COVID-19 Livestock Producer Resources
DHS/DATCP: What pet owners need to know
AVMA guidance on team health, safety and patient care
Frequently Asked Questions
Can animals get COVID-19? Can they pass it on to humans?
Much is still unknown about the virus and how it interacts with animals. Infectious disease experts currently agree there is no evidence to indicate that animals can spread COVID-19 to other animals or people. On April 5, a tiger at a New York zoo tested positive for the virus after being exposed to a zoo employee who was carrying the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are monitoring the situation.
At this time, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that people who are positive for COVID-19 avoid contact with animals until more information is known. The AVMA has provided information and guidance on this topic on their website: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19. The CDC also offers information on animals and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html.
What are my options as a livestock producer if I'm having trouble moving animals off of my farm?
The COVID-19 Livestock Producer Resources webpage offers guidance and other resources to help producers identify alternative paths to slaughter channels. The Resource Coordination Center is available to connect producers with the assistance they need, whether it be alternative market options or humane euthanasia and depopulation of livestock. Contact the Resource Coordination Center at (608) 224-4875.