CAN MY PARROT BE INFECTED WITH OMICRON?
Omicron and pets: The coronavirus is playing new tricks and continues to spread around the world. We still do not know much about this contagion (how it appeared, how to stop it, and its long-term effects on human and animal populations).
The most vulnerable seem to be people with weakened immune systems and the elderly. Although everyone, including animals, can carry this virus. In some cases, many do not even know they are carriers.
Virus
Although most countries have protocols in place to help stop the spread, there is currently no vaccine to stop a possible pandemic. We are talking about a “potential” pandemic because the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet declared it.
The good news is that we receive the latest information on how to fight this virus daily.
What we know so far about this Virus:
The virus is believed to have been transmitted from animals (probably bats) to humans through markets selling fish, meat, and live wild animals. These markets are known in the region as “wet” markets and are common in many parts of Asia.
How is OMICRON spread and what are its symptoms?
COVID-19 is mainly spread by respiratory droplets. To be infected, an individual must generally be in the immediate vicinity (less than 1.80 m) of a contagious person who has been in contact with these droplets, either in
We also know that a person can contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or an object on which the virus is located, and then touching their face.
However, it is not believed to be the main mechanism behind the spread of the virus. To avoid spreading the virus, it is helpful to wear a mask. Using a bandana or scarf will do very little or nothing.
Signs can appear within two to 14 days of contact and include fever, cough, runny nose, and breathing problems. It is also possible that some people are carriers of the virus and have no symptoms.
Now that we have completed a brief introduction to this coronavirus.
Omicron and pets
How can this Affect our Parrot or our Pets in General?
Have any pets been infected with OMICRO?
Omicron and pets
The recent announcement that a dog tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong has raised concerns among pet owners around the world.
The dog was tested several times for several days and follow-up tests revealed that it was tested “weakly positive” after its owner tested positive for the virus.
International specialists from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) have determined that the dog has a certain degree of infection probably caused by human-to-animal transmission. It was concluded that the animal had contracted the virus from its affected owner.
Can COVID-10 be transmitted from humans to pets?
The short answer is “yes”. The above conclusion clearly indicates that the infected dog, although at a low level, was a case of human-to-animal transmission.
Experts from the University of Hong Kong and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) support this conclusion.
The good news is that they don’t suspect that the virus can cause serious illness in dogs, or that dogs spread the virus to humans. In addition, the dog remained in good health. What we don’t know is if this virus can usually cause illness in pets in general, or if this dog is a special case
People, like animals, can be infected without getting sick or showing symptoms. It is still too early to say what this “weak positive” result means in the animal context.
As a parrot owner, should I take precautions?
At this point, there are no specific precautions that pet owners should take. Regardless of the photos of masked animals in Chinese television news. It is only in the unfortunate event that you have been tested positive for COVID-19 and you have a parrot or other pet that we advise you to do so:
- Avoid close contact with your parrot: do not cuddle it, do not kiss it, do not let it touch your face, do not take it with you, and do not sleep in the same room.
- It sounds obvious, but avoid coughing and sneezing on your pet. It is not good practice in all cases.
Wash your hands before touching or feeding your parrot. If you are sick and you can delegate this task to a loved one, it’s even better. - Limit your parrot’s contact with other people and animals.
- If you’ve been tested negative, snuggle up against your pets. Take them for a walk. Do not change their routine so as not to stress them out.
Animals can have a very comforting effect on their owners, especially in this time of uncertainty. And do not forget that when you are calm, your pet is also calm and it is better for his health.
If this article has been useful to you or if you want to share your experiences with us, do not hesitate to leave a comment below.
