Lots of pet owners have been in touch asking about the effects of COVID-19 virus on animals. We’ve compiled a set of answers to the most common questions, but please do check back as we’re keeping this updated as the situation evolves.
What is a Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which can cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the recently identified COVID-19.
What is COVID-19 and can it infect pets?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the recently identified coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 was unknown before the recent outbreak identified late last year.
Currently there is no evidence suggesting that dogs and cats can be a source of infection for COVID-19, or that they can become sick from the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 is currently spreading through human to human transmission.
That said, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This helps protect against various common bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, that can pass between pets and humans.
You may have heard that a single dog in Hong Kong tested a weak positive to the COVID-19 virus, however it is still being investigated whether this positive test result was due to environmental contamination or if the dog was truly infected - the dog was not showing any signs of disease. This is an evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available from the relevant human health and veterinary bodies.
Do dogs and cats suffer illness from any coronaviruses?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and canine coronavirus (CCV) are two coronaviruses which have been unfortunately present and causing disease in dog and cat populations for a long time. It is important to note that FIP and CCV are distinctly different and separate to the COVID-19 virus causing the current disease outbreak with humans. CCV generally causes mild gastroenteritis in dogs, and FIP is a progressive and invariably fatal systemic disease of domestic cats. Both cannot cause illness in people.
Do Bupa pet insurance policies provide cover for COVID-19 or other coronaviruses?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and canine coronavirus (CCV) are assessed as Illness conditions in Bupa policies, and are generally eligible for cover under Illness subject to the policy terms, and provided the condition is not a pre-existing condition. Please note Basic policies only cover Accidental Injuries and will not cover FIP, CCV and other illness conditions.
It is important to remember, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and veterinary bodies have advised currently there is no evidence dogs and cats can become sick from COVID-19. If there are any developments in relation to COVID 19 impacting dogs and cats, we will do our best to keep our customers informed.
Rest assured if your pet is currently displaying symptoms of coughing, respiratory issues or a fever/elevated temperature, you should seek veterinary advice, and know this is generally coverable if you have a Standard or Ultimate policy, subject to the relevant terms and conditions.
If I am quarantined or hospitalised due to COVID-19 and can’t take care of my pet, can I get help with emergency boarding?
Emergency boarding for your pet under Bupa Pet Insurance policies is generally covered if you become sick with COVID-19 and require hospitalisation for five or more consecutive days. Please note this is subject to your selected policy, benefit limits and relevant terms and conditions.
If you are not hospitalised and are simply quarantined at home due to COVID-19, emergency boarding for your pet will not be covered.
Additional resources
Further information relating to the coronavirus can be sourced from the World Health Organisation (WHO) or Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) websites:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
https://www.ava.com.au/coronavirus/
Professor Vanessa Barrs, a veterinarian who specialises in infectious diseases, has also provided a useful video update, explaining that there is no risk of infection of COVID-19 from our pets:
https://app.frame.io/reviews/f79aab18-6058-4a17-928c-7468b78bff2a/ff12b78e-820d-4ab9-8cd9-8a1138fea594
