ROLE OF VETERINARIAN DURING COVID 19 CRISIS

 

Dr Nilufar Haque¹ & Dr Sk Asraf Hossain²

¹Assistant Director of Extension, Directorate of Research, Extension & Farm, WBUAFS, Kolkata, West Bengal

²Veterinary Officer, Additional Block Animal Health Centre, Chanchal-II, Malda, West Bengal

 

*Corresponding author: haquenilufar@gmail.com

 

INTRODUCTION

Animals are a fundamental part of human life from. From providing food to maintaining ecological equilibrium they have a varied responsibility to play in human life. Therefore, this has impacts on the country’s financial system and at the grassroots level which affects the farmers’ living, making them susceptible. Therefore, veterinary services are to be considered vital businesses. Veterinarians and their teams provide significant animal and public health disease surveillance to prevent disease outbreaks, including of zoonotic diseases.  They ensure food safety and people have safe food to eat by ensuring only healthy animals. Veterinarians provide ongoing medical care and oversight as well as surgical and emergency services to sick and injured animals.  The veterinary services also include the national and regional veterinary regulatory and inspection services, which administer the reliability of public health. They also watch over veterinary services conducted in animal hospitals, mobile clinics, ambulatory services, zoos, etc. In addition, they supervise the care of laboratory animals, which are critical to research medicines and vaccines, including vaccine research against COVID-19.

EMERGENCE OF COVID 19

On December 31st, 2019, a pneumonia of unidentified cause was reported to the World Health Organization Office in China. In a few short months, the world was united in the clash against a viral pandemic caused by SARS coronavirus 2—or the novel coronavirus. The virus is not only novel in its scientific discovery, but also insofar as latest information is being discovered daily. The outburst has now reached every continent (except Antarctica), sickened millions, disastrously taken hundreds of thousands of lives, wreaked devastation on broad swaths of the economy and, not astonishingly, infected some animals.

GENESIS OF COVID 19

This is an assumption that SARS-CoV-2 originated in bats. The RNA sequence of SARS-CoV-2 is intimately related to that of other coronaviruses circulating in bats in Southeast Asia. Taxonomically, SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus. Using molecular clock analysis, betacoronaviruses are reported to have originated about 3,300 BC. Bats are considered to be perfect hosts for alphacoronaviruses and betacoronaviruses.

Sars-CoV-2 viruses isolated from diverse human COVID-19 patients are reported to have roughly identical sequences and the sequences are reported to be 88% and 89.1% equivalent with bat-SL-CoVZC45, and 96% analogous with BatCoV RaTG13. BatCoV RaTG13 was previously detected in the horseshoe bat, which is found in South and Southeast Asia and southern and central China.

TRANSMISSION OF COVID 19

There are no known cases of bat to human transmission of a coronavirus; previous coronaviruses have passed through an intermediate mammal host before human disease. The identity of the SARS-CoV-2 intermediate host (if there is one) is also at present unknown, but numerous have been suggested including pangolins and stray dogs.

It appears that COVID-19 can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface or object (i.e., a fomite) and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this appears to be a secondary route. Smooth (non-porous) surfaces (e.g., countertops, doorknobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g., paper money, pet fur). As pet’s hair is porous, and fibrous, it is not likely to have COVID-19 by petting or playing with pet.

Animals are not carriers or transmitters of COVID-19, but unhygienic meat marketplaces are. There is proof that in Wuhan, the genesis of the coronavirus, was a wet market where flesh of various animals was sold. This is a extremely unsanitary practice that must be stopped straight away. Pet shop should be closed.

Airborne transmission is distinct from droplet transmission in that it requires an infectious pathogen to stay viable in “droplet nuclei” (or particles less than 5 µm in diameter) which can remain in the air for extended periods of time and contaminate people at distances more than 1 meter.  The evidence is not yet distinct if SARS CoV-2 can easily become aerosolized or actually “air-borne” and transmitted over long distances and time. The virus, once in the surroundings and not associated with respiratory droplets, loses its infectivity over a period of hours to a few days.

Originating from the central part of China, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic not only spreaded in 369 other cities of China but also crossed the international boundaries within a short period (December to March 2020). COVID-2019 has affected people in more than 210 countries and territories in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Latin America. Hence, due to very high transmissibility across the boundaries, it was affirmed as public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on January 30, 2020, and afterward as pandemic condition.

RISK OF ANIMALS SPREADING COVID-19 TO PEOPLE

There’s presently inadequate information on animals and COVID-19, particularly on whether animals can spread the virus. In most conditions, people are infecting animals (human-to-animal transmission). According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, there hasn’t been any news of pets spreading COVID-19 to people. There is no confirmation that domestic animals or livestock can become infected and sick or spread the virus causing COVID -19 (USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC). Despite the large degree of the pandemic, there has been no information of transmission of COVID-19 via eating of food to date.

Some animals may become sick and show signs of ailment, such as:

• fever
• fatigue
• sneezing
• coughing
• loss of appetite
• difficulty breathing
• vomiting or diarrhea

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ANIMALS TO SARS-COV-2

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many major agencies took a head-in-the-sand approach to concerns about the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to infect diverse animal species. Fortunately, over the last year a substantial amount of research has been done to help figure out the variety of species that are vulnerable to this virus. It has been found that deer mice, bushy-tailed woodrats, and striped skunks were vulnerable to infection and shed the virus after infection, but they didn’t get sick (i.e. all infections were subclinical). Cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels, Wyoming ground squirrels, black-tailed prairie dogs, house mice, and raccoons were not susceptible to illness. Ferrets, Syrian hamsters and Rhesus macaques have also shown susceptibility in investigational settings. Cat, tigers and lions, mink, pug have all tested positive for the virus.

COVID 19 AND FARM ANIMALS

There have been no information of livestock (such as cows, pigs, goats or sheep) being infected with COVID-19. Early results of studies in laboratory settings suggest that pigs and cows may be very mildly prone to the virus but do not spread it to other animals. Chickens, turkeys and ducks are not vulnerable to the virus. The vulnerability of other livestock is still unidentified, but studies are in progress. As of December 2020, there have been many information of farmed mink being infected and getting sick with COVID-19 in many countries. However, this is an area that continues to be studied.

WHO guidelines have categorically stated that companion animals have no role to play in the surge of COVID-19. The similar has been reiterated by the Indian Veterinary Association and the Animal Welfare Board of India. Still, there are all kinds of rumors and half-truths because of which pet owners may be harassed by neighbors or RWAs (Resident Welfare Association).

CORONAVIRUS THREAT TO ZOO ANIMALS

Subsequent to the evidence of coronavirus in a tiger at a New York zoo, the Central Zoo Authority under India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has asked Chief Wildlife Wardens across India to endorse preventive actions to check possible cross-species spread of the virus. Thereafter, firm protective measures are followed in zoos. Zoo staffs change their dress when they enter the zoo premises and potassium permanganate is used to sanitize their shoes. Zoos have been instructed to feed animals from a distance and veterinary doctors are continuously available for guidance. Staffs working in close contact with animals have been given PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to wear. Animals are being frequently checked and emphasis is being placed on sanitizing the interiors of the zoos. Zookeepers are instructed to wear face masks when tending to animals. Apart from the standard disinfection, there is regular sanitizing the hand-rails and pathways. Hand sanitizers are also given to visitors.

TESTS FOR COVID-19 IN ANIMALS

In general, testing animals for COVID-19 is not suggested. Animals may be considered for COVID-19 testing only if they have been in a household with a established infection, displayed symptoms consistent with the virus causing COVID19, including respiratory and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, and have tested negative for other pathogens general for that species. There is no specific standard treatment for COVID19, so an identification of COVID19 would not imply an animal can be treated.

VETERINARY AS ESSENTIAL SERVICE

To effectively combat the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments across the world have taken preventive actions to close non-essential businesses. In this circumstance, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) advocate for the definite actions of Veterinary Services to be considered as essential businesses. In March 18, 2020, in the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in cooperation draw attention to the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary profession for community health. They emphasize the detailed veterinary activities which are keys to ensure a continuum in food security, disease prevention, and crisis management.

The Government of India wrote a letter to State Chief Secretaries stating that veterinary hospitals and dispensaries, including private veterinary clinics, veterinary pathologies and animal shelters, should work in the regular course. The letter mentioned that emergency services such as disease identification and treatment, monitoring of emergency farm animals and poultry diseases, and immediate disease reporting should be a necessary service. Stern commands were issued to veterinary staff to make sure they adhered to own safety and sanitation. The Animal Welfare Board of India also issued an advisory to the state governments and law enforcement agencies to ensure that animals do not suffer from hunger during the lockdown.

On 23 March, 2020, the European Commission decided that medicines (including veterinary medicines), personal protective equipment, and live animals are included in the products having right of entry to the ‘Green Lanes’ at border crossings, meaning that they have priority passing the border, ensuring these are recognized and regulated as essential goods.

IMPORTING ANIMALS

The World Organisation for Animal Health does not advocate COVID-19-related trade limitations for animals. Though, it’s recommended that persons, rescue organizations and adoptive families delay importing animals during the pandemic. It’s always a excellent idea to have a veterinarian inspect a recently imported animal.

ROLE OF VETERINARIANS DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Veterinary medical professionals have constantly played an essential part in community health. Whether it is through veterinary medical research, advocating for parasite prevention or reporting cases of probable zoonosis, the veterinary profession has been a precious asset in the safety of animal and human health. Whether clients implicitly or explicitly recognize our role in protecting pet and human health, they rely on us for sage suggestion and sound medical guidance—particularly in the midst of a pandemic.

As veterinarians, we are a ‘One Health’ profession and have abundance of experience with the prevention and control of global outbreaks.  In many countries the veterinary profession has inventoried key equipment such as respirators, for if required for the medical sector. Veterinary institutes and laboratories are assisting in several countries processing COVID tests. The animal health industry is producing medical devices and shielding equipment. Many veterinarians are lead persons in COVID task forces in national level.

Claire Hankenson, DVM, MS, is the Director of MSU Campus Animal Resources and Attending Veterinarian at the Michigan State University have devised a technique for the decontamination and secure reuse of personal protective equipment that received emergency use authorization from the FDA via vaporized hydrogen peroxide that allows Spartans to repurpose nearly 15,000 essential materials each day. To provide additional support to human and animal health agencies in Michigan, the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory became a SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) certified testing site for animals.

In addition, the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, in collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, has been spearheading gathering of information regarding ventilator availability from veterinary emergency and critical care facilities around the country and some specialty hospitals have already pledged access to those ventilators to human health care facilities in their communities.

In India, Odisha government has been ramping up trained manpower to tackle the pandemic, the most recent addition is the appointment of a large group of veterinarians. Even though involving veterinarians in serious clinical functions at peak of this pandemic sounds weird, top healthcare functionaries see no contradiction.

Not only that, veterinarians handling microbiology, virology and biotechnology in veterinary science are at par with scientists running laboratories for humans as pathogens of human and animals are having not much dissimilarity. A crash course has been arranged for microbiologists and virologists working under veterinary department. They are being trained on pathology of COVID-19. This will help in man management in laboratories when the pandemic circumstances would aggravate. Some veterinary teaching hospitals (large and small animal) have oxygen supplies which can be also improved into facilities for human health care if needed.

STANDARD HYGIENE PROTOCOLS TO BE MAINTAINED DURING COVID 19 CRISIS

To stay away from exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19, following standard hygienic practice should be maintained by all human:

• Hands should be washed often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom; before eating; after blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol should be used.
• Touching eyes, nose, and mouth should be avoided.
• While coughing or sneezing, a tissue should be used to cover nose and mouth, and then should be thrown into the trash.
• Smoking and other activities should be avoided that weaken the lungs.
• Physical distancing should be practiced by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

STEPS VETERINARIANS SHOULD TAKE NOW

• Some education materials should be prepared by veterinarians for clients and common people to make them understand the difference between the corona viruses that affect domestic animals and livestock, for which vaccines have been developed, and this novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in human.
• Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and tissues should be kept at the front desk, in all exam rooms, restrooms, and in the waiting room or lobby, so that commonly used surfaces (eg. handles, keyboards, remote controls, reception desk) can be wiped down by employees before every usage.
• Telemedicine options should be emphasized and discussion should be made via cell phone, which will limit human-to-human interaction and potential spread of COVID-19 in the community.
• The number of employee visitors (family, friends, and pets) to the business should be minimized to decrease the number of people coming into the clinic.

• Entrance of client to clinic should be restricted. It would be good if someone from clinic receive pet from client from outside.

• If a client has been diagnosed as COVID positive or suspected to be positive, it is advised that any other family member or friend of the client should take the pet to the clinics.
• Any person diagnosed with the virus causing COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If the ill person must care for the pet, they should wash their hands before and after interacting with the pet and wear a facemask.

• If an N95 respirator is not available, a combination of a surgical mask and a full face shield should be used.
• After disinfection, PPE should be safely removed and disposed of according to facility/clinic’s standard procedures and wash hands.
• If a veterinarian is suspected or confirmed as COVID 19, he or she should inform supervisor and go self-isolation and should remain at home until at least 72 hours after free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medications (e.g. cough suppressants).

 

 

IMMUNITY SANDESH PREPARED BY VETERINARIANS IN TREATMENT OF COVID 19

So far, there has been no treatment but a few drugs to help treat the patients. It has been claimed by plentiful professionals that those with a superior immune system are less likely to surrender to the virus. While the world is busy preparing the vaccines, Animal Source Development Department of West Bengal has come up with its input. An official from the Animal Source Development Department has claimed to develop a sweet that will boost immunity named ‘Immunity Sandesh’ or ‘Arogya sweet’ to fight coronavirus. Cotton cheese made from pure cow milk mixed with pure honey along with extracts of Tulsi leaves from the Sunderbans to prepare the Sandesh is acclaimed to enhance immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic is a chance for the veterinary to excel. The profession must cultivate inventiveness and leadership to expand its benefit to society. Veterinarians have an opportunity to affirm themselves as key players in transforming One Health theory into collaborative action through focusing on food security, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and preventing future pandemics. To make the most of its benefit to society, the profession must also carry on its recruitment efforts to maintain a diverse professional workforce. If veterinary leadership does not seize this moment to reveal its value, an entire generation of talented and service-minded professionals could turn its back to the profession.