Nigeria becomes the first country in the world to launch Covid-19 protocol for animal protection, John Oba, reports.
As the world continues to grapple with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, despite scientific research that it emanates from animals, no countries in the world, but Nigeria has seen it necessary to get a protocol to guide veterinarians practices.
Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) recently presented the document to stakeholders for validation and adoption in Abuja setting a new history in the world.
The protocol on Covid 19 pandemic in animals for Nigeria was presented to the public by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Sabo Nanono represented by Dr Saleh Momale, a director in the ministry.
The protocol
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 in humans, is thought to be spread primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. There are also reports that people may be able to spread the virus while pre- symptomatic or asymptomatic. Although human to animal transmission have been demonstrated in a number of situations, it is yet to be definitively shown that Covid-19 is zoonotic. The United States of America has for instance reported cases of small number of animal infections including cats and dogs who may have contracted the disease from persons confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19.
The Protocol states that limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals.
“Clinical signs thought to be compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals include fever, coughing, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy, sneezing, nasal/ocular discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Although no case of Covid-19 has so far been reported in animals across Nigeria, the likelihood of unidentified, “hidden” animal infections in the Country cannot be wished away.
Protocol for veterinary practice premises
The Protocol outlines steps to be taken or adopted by all public and private veterinary clinics/hospitals as part of standard infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices.
Some of such steps say all practices must have hand washing stations, with liquid soaps, paper towel dispensers and lid covered waste bins at their entrances/exits. Alcohol based hand Rubs (with at least 60% alcohol) should be stationed in every veterinary facility for use by clients and staff alike.
“Standard precaution must be practiced in all facilities by ensuring routine environmental cleaning and decontamination. Clean and disinfect all surfaces including table tops, drip stands, trollies, chairs, door knobs and floors frequently.
“Always clean from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest areas, replace sweeping with damp or wet mopping to minimize aerosolization of particles.
Clean and disinfect patient care areas after seeing each patient and always ensure that cleaning staff wear appropriate PPEs.
On a weekly basis, decontaminate the practice premises with hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants at 3-6% concentration. Live bird markets, abattoirs, slaughter slabs meat shops and other points where livestock are being sold should be decontaminated weekly. All staff of the practice as well as clients and customers must wear face masks or cloth masks while within the practice’s premises.
Actions on suspected pet owner
The report listed steps to be taken when a pet owner is suspected.
It says before scheduled appointments or upon arrival of the client, a staff of the practice should ask if the pet has had any exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed Covid-19. If a pet owner currently has respiratory symptoms or is suspected of or confirmed to have Covid-19, they should not visit the veterinary facility. Consider whether a tele-medicine consult is possible. If possible, a healthy friend or family member from outside their household should bring the animal to the veterinary clinic. The clinic should use all appropriate precautions to minimize contact with the person bringing the animal to the clinic. If there is an emergency with the animal, the animal should not be denied care.
“If a pet owner is suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19 and must bring their pet to the clinic, the following actions should be taken: Communicate via phone call or video chat to maintain physical distancing.
“The client should be advised to isolate the pet immediately. Retrieve the animal from the owner’s vehicle to prevent the owner from having to enter the clinic or hospital. Maintain physical distancing and PPE recommendations when interacting with clients. o Request smaller animals be brought in a plastic carrier to facilitate disinfection of the carrier after use.
“For larger pets, appropriate PPEs should be provided for the vets and vet assistants. Remember to use a free plastic/iron mouth guards which must be disinfected after each use. Also advise the owner to leave all non-essential items at home to avoid unnecessary opportunities for additional exposure.”
Speaking during the presentation, VCN National President, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Baju, said the document, which was developed and produced by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) in collaboration with a number of sister organisations and other stakeholders, was borne out of the desire of the council to contribute its quota in the fight against the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
“This is with a view to entrenching the spirit of ‘one world, one health’ mantra.
“The ravaging Covid-19 pandemic is no longer news as the virus, which was first reported in Wuhan, China has now spread exponentially to 216 countries and territories around the world with over 51 Million confirmed cases. Our country, Nigeria has equally had its share in the above mentioned confirmed cases with attendant death tolls. The pandemic has not only overstretched virtually all health platforms across the globe, it has literally brought the global health system and governments to their knees, unleashing, in the process, tales of panic and devastation.
“As the entire world earnestly awaits the development and deployment of effective vaccines and other medical products against the disease, we have collectively continued to apply equally effective alternative disease control strategies and measures to prevent the spread of the virus. In this regard, one of the most widely applied and cost-effective control measures against the disease is biosecurity, especially decontamination of human and animal habitations.
“Decontamination reduces the risk of contracting diseases and in most cases, totally eliminates disease-causing microbes from the environment which involves disinfecting both human and animal habitations to make them safe for productive activities. It is to be noted that decontamination measures have been adequately explored by the VCN with support from the Federal Capital Territory EOC on Covid-19, in which live bird markets, livestock markets, abattoirs and other animal related areas have been disinfected.
“Though research is still ongoing, it would appear that the virus that causes Covid-19 disease can spread from people to animals and vice versa. In realization of this, the Council decided about six months ago, to partner with relevant stakeholders to develop a world class Covid-19 Protocol in Animals; the outcome of which is being presented to stakeholders today for validation,” she said.
She stated further that the protocol is designed to be a guide for animal owners who test positive for Covid-19, provide procedures for home care of animals with Covid-19, highlight high risk groups that need to avoid contact with Covid-19 infected animals as well as state the criteria for testing and re-testing positive animals etc.
And that it is also intended to provide the current information on Covid-19 in animals and to highlight the direction of transmission between humans and animals based on available data and the zoonotic potential of the Covid-19 virus.
“I would like to add that, the Protocol has been adequately fine-tuned to meet international standards and best practices,” she said.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The Protocol also spells out the PPE giuldelines given current limitations in knowledge regarding Covid-19 in companion animals.
“Recommendations may change over time, as new information becomes available. Veterinarians should use their professional judgement regarding potential for exposure to Covid-19 and PPE resource constraints when determining the appropriate PPE precautions to apply.
“Veterinarians should be aware of the current shortage of PPE due to its high demand in human health care settings. Veterinarians should consider their current PPE supply and rate of PPE use. Consider using reusable PPE where possible.