Vets: an essential service

Veterinarians are classified as an essential service during this escalated response to containing Covid-19. Indeed walking the dog features as one of the reasons people are allowed to leave the home - as long as dog walkers stay a safe distance (2m) away from other people. Meantime, while a case has been reported of a dog in China testing positive for coronavirus our own veterinary service says there is limited evidence companion animals can be infected with COVID-19 or that pet dogs or cats can present a source of infection to humans or other animals. Our Veterinary Association is guided by regular updates from global animal health organisations, including the World Veterinary Association. NZVA chief veterinary officer Dr Helen Beattie speaks with Kathryn Ryan.