June 3, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 3
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Will pets need Covid vaccines?
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.
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Tom Snider The coronavirus has never been a problem limited to people. Since the pandemic’s start, the virus’s potential to impact pets, livestock and wildlife has been a global concern. But will the four-legged friends we share our homes with need vaccines? It’s unlikely in the short term, said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation attending veterinarian Jennie Criley, D.V.M. “Although there are a few reports of dogs and cats testing positive for SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, they typically show no or very mild symptoms,” said Criley, who is also the director of comparative medicine at OMRF. “Currently, there is no evidence that dogs and cats play a significant role in transmitting the virus to humans or other animals.” According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, livestock like horses, pigs and poultry don’t appear to be naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. While results of studies of the virus in cattle are conflicting, the AVMA notes it doesn’t appear they can
be easily infected either. But there is one notable excep-
PHOTO BY ERIECH TAPIA
In response, numerous vaccines for mink are in development. If the U.S. Department of Agriculture and health experts determine a companion animal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is necessary, a vaccine developed for mink could eventually be adapted and approved for household pets. Criley added that if research shows a Covid-19 vaccine for our pets is needed to protect animal and human health, it wouldn’t be the first time. “Rabies is a classic example of a vaccination given to our PHOTO PROVIDED pets that keeps them safe and Jennie Criley, D.V.M. that saves human lives,” said tion, said Criley: Mink. Millions Criley. But, she added, it’s best of the small, weasel-like mammals not to worry. Current work is are bred on farms worldwide, and all preliminary when it comes to they can be infected by and poman’s best friends. tentially transmit the coronavirus “Keep your pet up to date with to humans. all preventative health care rec“The concern is that the virus ommended by your veterinarian,” could thrive in animals, mutate, said Criley. “And remember, pets and then pass back to humans,” have become used to people said OMRF physician-scientist Hal being home more while we have Scofield, M.D. “Given that the been working remotely. Be sure to probable origin of Covid-19 was give them some extra TLC if you an animal — likely a bat — it’s im- are transitioning back to working portant that this be monitored.” outside of the home office.”