The Veterinarian response to the Covid-19 crisis

The Veterinarian response to the Covid-19 crisis

Introduction-

The Covid-19 pandemic, one of the worse ever in mankind history requires innovative and collaborative approach. In a pandemic particularly related to new threat, knowledge need to be shared about epidemiology, treatment and risk factors. Keeping in mind the uncertainties associated with this pandemic, the roles and responsibilities of veterinarians are bound to change and in fact we vets are quite apt in taking the situations head on and quite skillfully, we have accepted the dual challenge of taking care of our animal health sector and are also addressing the requirements of working in tandem with the public health sector. In fact, Interdisciplinary synergies including medical, veterinary, environmental and other disciplines are needed to manage critical global challenge like the one of Covid-19.

Facts about Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-

Disease – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Virus – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/2019-nCoV

The current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by this virus.  SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus, a genus that includes several coronaviruses isolated from humans, bats, camels, civets, and other animals. Corona viruses (CoVs) are a large family of viruses, several of which cause respiratory diseases in humans, varying from the common cold to more serious diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), both of which have high mortality rates and were detected for the first time in 2003 and 2012, respectively. A novel corona virus is a new strain (nCoV) that has not been previously identified in humans. This new corona virus seems to be more contagious than most strains of flu.

Transmission

2019-nCoV is transmitted via sick people through droplets (created when they talk, cough and sneeze), and as per latest researches it is also getting transmitted through air (aerosol). Close personal contact like touching or shaking hands (including self-infection caused by contaminated hands). Touching an object or surface with virus on it, then touching mouth, nose, eyes without washing hands.

Currently, the zoonotic source of SARS-CoV-2 is unknown. The first human cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, were first reported from Wuhan City, China, in December 2019. Although genetically closely related viruses have been isolated from bats, the exact source of SARS-CoV-2 and route of introduction into the human population has not been established. This pandemic is being driven by person-to-person transmission. It is considered very unlikely that the animal would be a source of infection for the household. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people is considered to be low.

Several animal species have proven to be susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 either naturally and/or by experimental infection. Although, as per latest research important livestock species do not seem to be susceptible to infection through experimental studies

Negative impact of Pandemic on animal health sector-

We may suspect that animal health along with farmer livelihoods and veterinary service capacities will more likely be impacted by COVID-19. This may also negatively impact the control of animal diseases that are already present, as all activities has monetary implications thus it may adversely affect the surveillance efforts, ongoing testing schemes for endemic diseases.

Roles of Veterinarians in handling COVID 19 crisis——

COVID-19 in the hindsight may be a blessing in disguise for the veterinary profession as it highlights the significance of two prong strategy, First is the principle of One Health approach, involving both human and animal experts and second is the need for the effective management of animal health and welfare during human pandemics.

1. One Health Approach-

It is based on the principle that disease management need to integrate human, animal and environmental perspectives. This pandemic is impacting both human and animal populations in numerous ways and thus underlines the importance of   multi-sectoral collaboration, based on the principle of “One Health” approach, and therefore the sharing of   knowledge, realities and expertise among multiple stake holders is the need of the hour.

1. Veterinarian response to the Covid-19 crisis-

Veterinarian responses may include providing services and intersectoral expertise in handling this pandemic and it may also includes emphasis on implementing stricter biosecurity measures.

Intersectoral expertise-

• Veterinary laboratories with their experience and expertise are engaged in activities such as surveillance screening, testing of human samples, thereby supporting and enhancing the diagnostic capacity of human health services.
• Many of our veterinary professionals across the globe have also been volunteering in hospitals and laboratories to work, hand in hand with medical fraternity where human resources were not sufficient.
• Some of the Veterinary epidemiologists and ecologists have been supporting their medical counterparts in tracking and tracing the disease in humans and thus not only assisting in improving collective understanding of SARS-CoV-2 but also helping in development of effective public health interventions. Veterinarians, especially in the field of immunology and molecular biology, are working at the forefront of the response at various levels.
• The adverse effects of COVID-19 on economies, animal health, and food security remain as significant as ever. Veterinary Services continue to address the food security and safety, as well as livelihoods of farmers (breeders and rearers), thus ensuring safe food provision for entire human populations.

General Biosecurity measures that needs to be followed at Farm level-

Biosecurity is crucial to control and contain a disease such as COVID-19, as well as in the daily management practices, protecting the health of farm workers and animals. Biosecurity and hygiene measures are key to preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

• Restricted access to the premises and buildings where production animals, poultry etc. are kept.
• All personnel should stay home if they are sick.
• Increase distance between workers.
• Encourage personnel to use cloth face coverings.
• Disposable gloves or other reusable gloves  that can be decontaminated can be used to prevent spread of pathogens between animals, from animals to humans, or vice versa.
• Encourage proper hand hygiene and provide workers with what they need to clean their hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Where ever it is necessary to move to other farms, the personnel must clean their shoes and clothes.
• Minimize contact with sick or dead animals. If animals appear to be sick, wear gloves, face mask, and goggles or face shield when working with or near sick animals.

Conclusion-

As per different researches across world, animal-human diseases accounts for nearly 60% of all human diseases and 75% of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature, therefore we must adapt to intersectoral collaborations.

      One health approach underlines the importance of veterinary profession and gives veterinarians, an opportunity where they can help effectively in public health interventions.  Effective management of animal health and welfare is more important than ever. Although, the risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people is considered to be low but in today’s scenario of uncertainty where livelihood of millions of human population is at stake, we the Vets can play our role in improving the animal health infrastructure as it can very well caters to the basic need of food security, livelihood and   businesses that are governed by animal health sector.

Dr. Pushpendra Singh Rathore

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