The essential role of animal studies in expediating medical research to battle the COVID-19 pandemic
Latest from Animal Law Update
How Covid-19 Has Gotten More Animal Owners To Consider Creating Pet Trusts
The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) has sparked an interest in people all over the world to make sure their affairs are in order in case of sudden death or incapacitation. Many pet owners consider their pets as part of their families, so it naturally follows that they would also want to ensure their pets will be cared for even when they no longer can provide that care. Creation of a pet trust…
Telemedicine for Veterinary Practices during COVID-19
As the spread of COVID-19 continues to increase rapidly across the globe, there are still many uncertainties between the relationship of animals and the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is only aware of a small number of animals infected with the virus after close contact with infected people. While human to animal transition of COVID-19 is rare, the CDC and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) constantly provide updated guidelines on the…
New Rule Published Governing Practice of Veterinary Medicine in New Jersey
Administrative Order and Notice of Rule Adoption Pursuant To P.L. 2020, C. 18, dated June 18, 2020, was just sent to all veterinary licensees from the Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs.
The Rule sets forth provisions to be implemented by veterinarians in their practices to minimize exposure to and spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) amongst veterinary staff and clients. The Rule is effective immediately and will expire “concurrent with the…
Protecting Animals and People from Potentially Infected Dogs Imported into the U.S.
As reported by the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), bill – H.R.6921 (the Healthy Dog Importation Act) – has been introduced in Congress that would require proper health screening of dogs imported into the United States. Such oversight is desperately needed to ensure that the one million plus dogs imported into this country are free from infectious diseases that, if unchecked, could spread to other animals and humans.
In addition to NAIA’s work on this…
A Cautionary Tale About COVID-19 and Animals
We have heard conflicting reports about the potential spread of COVID-19 to and from people and animals, and between animals. Many government and industry officials have stated that there is no evidence that dogs and cats can transmit the virus to humans. Yet, as discussed by veterinary pathologists in a recent paper, the “absence of evidence [of zoonotic, reverse zoonotic, or inter/intra species COVID transmission] is not the same thing as evidence of absence.” See…
Part 2: What can employers in the agricultural industry do to protect their employees from COVID-19 and prevent strikes?
In Part 1 of this blog, we discussed the new interim guidance for meat processing plants. To combat concerns of a devastating reduction in our food supply chain, President Trump issued an Executive Order requiring processing plants to stay open. Despite that order, some employees at these processing plants have expressed an intent not to return to work. So, what options do employers have if their workers refuse to work?
First, as the interim guidelines…
Part 1: What can meat processing facilities do to protect their essential employees from COVID-19 and comply with federal and state guidelines.
Workers in essential industries are increasingly concerned about their health and safety in the workplace. This is most clearly evidenced by the recent strikes, or threats of strikes, by employees at large manufacturing and distribution centers. Further, meat processing plants are reporting an increasing number of employees contracting COVID-19, requiring these plants to shut down or consider shutting down. Agricultural workers have been deemed essential by every state. These employees are essential to maintaining the…
COVID-19 testing in pets in light of two pet cats testing positive in New York
Two pet cats in New York have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as just announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). See Confirmation of COVID-19 in Two Pet Cats in New York.
The cats, who lived in different locations, not only tested positive, but exhibited clinical signs of respiratory illness, but are expected to…
Reposted with Permission “Coronavirus: Animal testing may be best tool to defeat COVID-19|”
by Matthew R. Bailey Originally Published 6:30 a.m. ET April 17, 2020 | Updated 7:06 a.m. ET April 17, 2020
Scientists are working on dozens of potential treatments and vaccines for the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Virtually all of them have one thing in common — they’re the product of animal research.
Indeed, the race to beat COVID-19 shows just how critical animal research is to medical progress.
Consider how mRNA-1273, the potential…