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Advice from WSAVA on how coronavirus is contracted
WSAVA Reassures Groomers and Pet Owners
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has moved to reassure pet owners following the news that a dog in Hong Kong, quarantined after it had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 has died. The dog had been released after two weeks of quarantine having subsequently tested negative for the virus.
The dog, a 17-year-old Pomeranian, had shown no clinical signs of COVID-19. However, it did have significant unrelated health problems including cardiac and renal issues and is believed to have passed away from these and old age, possibly exacerbated by the stress of quarantine away from familiar surroundings. The WSAVA confirms that there is no evidence that the dog contracted COVID-19, nor that it could have passed the viral cause to another human or animal.
On March 19, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Hong Kong announced that a second dog, a German Shepherd, had also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The dog was quarantined after its owner was confirmed with COVID-19. Although the dog has tested positive, it has no clinical signs of disease. Another dog from the same residence has tested negative for the SARS-CoV2. It also has no relevant clinical signs and has been quarantined. The dogs will continue to be tested for the remainder of the quarantine period.
WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “While there is still much we don’t know about COVID-19, we do know that the Pomeranian dog did not die from the virus, and the second dog is also showing no signs, either of the disease or of being able to transmit it to other pets or people. The current evidence still strongly indicates that COVID-19 cannot be contracted from pets.”
The WSAVA says its priority is to support its member veterinarians who care for companion animals around the world and it urges pet owners not to panic and, instead, to continue to care for their companion animals and to enjoy their company. In difficult times, such as these we face today, says the WSAVA, pets can play a very positive role, providing companionship to the isolated and lonely.
The WSAVA’s Scientific Committee and One Health Committee have worked together provide Advice to its members and pet owners, which can be found here: https://wsava.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19_ WSAVA-Advisory-DocumentMar-19-2020.pdf
Dr Michael Lappin, chair of the WSAVA’s One Health Committee and Dr Mary Marcondes, Co-Chair of the WSAVA Scientific Advisory Committee, recommend that veterinarians remind owners to:
Keep their companion animals with them if they are self-quarantined
Maintain good hygiene practices, including washing hands when interacting with their pets
Arrange care for any animals left at home with family or friends should they be hospitalised
Contact their veterinarian immediately if they have questions or concerns.
On March 13, IDEXX Laboratories,
Dr Mary Marcondes, Co-Chair of the WSAVA’s Scientific Committee.
an international provider of veterinary diagnostics and software, announced that it had evaluated thousands of canine and feline samples during the validation of a new veterinary test system for SARS-CoV-2 and seen no positive results.
Dr Ryan continued: “We remain very concerned at reports of many animals being abandoned, killed or taken to shelters because their owners fear that they might carry the virus when this is not supported by evidence. In addition to the suffering this causes to the animals concerned, their owners will also cease to benefit from all the positive aspects of owning a pet which are even more important as so many of us are now having to limit contact with other people.
“We urge pet owners to listen to their veterinarian’s advice and to follow our recommendations to keep themselves and their companion animals safe.”
TD-901GT
Training News
The International Pet Education Training Network (iPET) has become an OFQUAL regulated Awarding Organisation and is bringing NEW Dog Grooming and Pet Industry qualifications to the UK - specialising in all things canine and feline, being a sector specific awarding organisation
iPET Network has been a training provider network for the last few years after the founders, Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay, wrote a new qualification which is commonly known as the OCN Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming. The vision was to offer a choice of qualifications to learners where there wasn’t any. At the time, the only regulated Dog Grooming Qualification was from City and Guilds. That was four years ago and subsequently iPET launched a new qualification to the market which training providers all over the UK now deliver.
iPET spokesperson said: “We recognise the quality and standard we uphold is not being regulated across all centres delivering the qualification we proudly put our names to. In our network, we have selectively chosen training providers across the UK and Ireland who support our mission, scrutinising their practice to offer the best training to learners. Sadly, that is not the case for all and we have seen a dilution of the original qualification in some areas.
“To fix the problem we are taking back ownership and BECOMING the Awarding Organisation! The application for recognition from OFQUAL has been a complex demonstration of our ability, passion, commitment, knowledge and determination to establish a niche awarding organisation specialising in our industry qualifications.”
Ofqual said on the acceptance letter “Recognition by Ofqual is a mark of quality – it shows that you are able to meet our rules, and that you are able to
Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay
combine expertise in assessment with effective operational delivery. In turn, this provides assurance that learners who take your regulated qualifications have the required level of knowledge and skills in the relevant subject area.”
iPET qualifications come with a tight quality assurance process but more importantly, the criteria is being set by industry experts who know exactly what students need to learn but also what appeals to them as consumers. Simply put, that takes out the middleman; upping the standard, and introducing qualifications that really work in the industry and markets.
They work for pets who deserve the best care available.
They work for learners by giving them valuable skills, breaking down barriers and being accessible.
They work for training providers as
the structure, expectation, reward and market appeal is clear.
They work for OFQUAL as they are on the Recognised Qualification Framework, passing their scrutiny.
They work for trade organisations who can provide industry insight and work with us in development. They work hard. Final comments from iPET spokesperson: “We have evolved and will continue to advance. We are working with our current Training Providers during the transition period and thank them so their ongoing support and dedication. We are now welcoming new Training Providers to register their interest and to join us on the journey.”
Tel: 0800 4334700 Email: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk Website: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
SmartBarf SmartBarf vegetable and herb mix for dogs on a raw fed or home prepared diet provides valuable extra vitamins and minerals for a more complete meal. E: info@SmartBarf.co.uk W: www.SmartBarf.co.uk S: www.facebook.com/SmartBarf
Grooming Supplies
Mutneys Made by groomers, for groomers, Mutneys Professional Pet Care have been manufacturing and supplying professional dog grooming shampoo, fragrances and equipment for 20 years. Our range has been developed within working salons and is produced here in the UK at our Shropshire premises. If you would like to know more, why not speak to a knowledgeable member of the team? T: 08454 68 64 67 or 07968 861 593 E: sales@mutneys.com W: www.mutneys.com
Business Services and Insurance Advice
Jelf Insurance Brokers Jelf is an award-winning independent insurance broker and financial consultancy. We provide expert advice to both businesses and individuals on matters relating to insurance, healthcare, employee benefits and financial planning. T: 0845 869 5342 W: jelfgroup.com
Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment
Animal Aiders Animal Aiders provides high quality and affordable dog first aid courses all over England, ideal for dog professionals, including groomers. T: 01284 811192 or 07758 739332 E: info@animalaiders.co.uk W: www.animalaiders.co.uk
Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses. Faulkners Farm, Ashes Lane, Hadlow, TN11 0AN T: 01732 852 605 E: doggrooming@hadlow.ac.uk
Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon (Greenwich) Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses. Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP T: 020 8856 2960 E: greenwichdoggrooming@hadlow. ac.uk
Food Grooming and Hygiene
Animal Health Address: 38-40 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB. T: 01787 476400 F: 01787 476998 E: sales@animal-h:ealth.co.uk W: www.animal-health.co.uk W: facebook.com/animalhealth W: twitter.com/animalhealthco Grooming Clothing
Natural Instinct “Award winning, Natural Instinct are passionate about pets, their raw food diet for dogs and cats follows the motto “you are what you eat” and their wholesome and delicious meals are the convenient, no stress, no mess way to feed raw! Proudly supporting British produce.” T: 01276 608500 E: retail@naturalinstinct.com W: www.naturalinstinct.com Insurance
Shampoo Pet Business Insurance Pet Business Insurance is the UK’s favourite insurance provider to small and medium sized animal businesses. For over 10 years it has provided specialist cover for all pet care businesses - including walkers, groomers, animal trainers, pet boarding kennels, sitters and many more trades. Cover can be completed online, or by phone with one of our highly experienced advisers. T: +44 (0)1284 736 874 E: info@petbusinessinsurance.co.uk W: www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk
For All Dogkind Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available) T:. 020 7148 0316 E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk W:www.foralldogkind.co.uk
Scruffs ® Founded in 2005, Scruffs ®
is now firmly established as one of Europe’s leading brands of luxury pet bedding and accessories. T: +44 (0) 161 702 5060. E: sales@petslovescruffs.com.
Trade Association For Pet Care Specialists
The British Dog Groomers’ Association is a trade association offers dog groomers a range of practical and financial benefits, including insurance, a legal helpline and qualifications. It is part of the Pet Industry Federation family and provides access to invaluable support mechanisms to give dog groomers the skills and confidence to cope with the challenges of running a business. T: 01234 273933 E: info@petfederation.co.uk W: www.petfederation.co.uk
DAVE WESTBROOK PROFESSIONAL SHARPENER 07739186419 We specialise in all dog & horse grooming equipment.
Burrsville, Frating Rd, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8HT
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