Page 108 - JSOM Fall 2020

soap, shampoo, or medical disinfectant that is formu- public health officials, will determine whether care at home or
lated and safe to use on an OpK9s hair and skin; seek inpatient care is most appropriate for the OpK9. Resumption
consultation with a veterinarian. of normal activity and return to duty should occur when the
• Routinely disinfect the OpK9’s equipment, outerwear OpK9 receives follow-up testing from a recognized laboratory
(collars, harness, vest, leashes), food and water bowls, confirming they are no longer positive for SARS-CoV-2 and,
toys, bedding, and housing/kennels. ideally, waiting until 14 days have passed since their last pos-
• Always wear appropriate PPE and wash your hands af- itive test. If the OpK9 will not have a follow-up test to deter-
ter handling and decontaminating the K9. mine if they are still SARS-CoV-2 positive, then monitoring,
isolation, and movement restrictions should remain in place
For more information discussing decontamination for OpK9s, until:
refer to the COVID-19 and Operational K9 FAQ listed under
“Recommended Reading.” • at least 72 hours since the OpK9s clinical signs of illness
have resolved without the use of medications intended
to relieve symptoms,
When to Pursue Testing of an OpK9 for SARS-CoV-2
AND
It is important to note that, similar to people, K9s are also
susceptible to other, more common types of viral and bacterial • at least 14 days have passed since the OpK9 clinical
respiratory infections that may results in flu-like signs (e.g., signs first appeared.
coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy). Canine infec-
tious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is a common cause Each agency may implement additional guidance and/or poli-
of acute respiratory disease in K9s that is caused by one or cies regarding OpK9s that test positive for SARS-CoV-2; how-
more of the following viral and bacterial organisms : ever, it is strongly advised that the agency develops its policy
18
in collaboration with a veterinarian.
• Viral pathogens: Canine distemper, canine parainflu-
enza, canine adenovirus type 2, canine influenza, canine What Should One Do if the Primary Handler
herpesvirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, pantro- or Caregiver of the K9 Becomes Infected
pic canine coronavirus, canine reovirus, and canine
pneumovirus. With COVID-19?
• Bacterial pathogens: Bordetella bronchiseptica, Myco- Preparation is the key to navigating a smooth and complete
plasma spp., and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicu. transition of care should the primary caretaker or handler be-
come infected with COVID-19 and is unable to perform the
If a K9 presents with flu-like signs, these are more likely due to primary caregiver duties. It is vital to ensure that all necessary
one of the viral or bacterial pathogens associated with CIRDC documents, including vaccination and medical history, appro-
rather than COVID-19. priate equipment used in daily care, and any other pertinent
information, are readily available to provide to an alternative
At present, veterinary and public health experts do not recom- caregiver/handler. Additionally, caretakers/handlers should
mend routine screening of nonclinical pets for SARS-CoV-2 prepare an emergency kit with at least 2 weeks’ worth of the
unless recommended by a public health authority. Factors also OpK9’s food and any needed prescription medications, and
taken into consideration prior to testing an OpK9 include compose a list of people authorized to make medical decisions
whether they are living in a household with a human who has for the OpK9 if the caregiver/handler is unable to. 20
COVID-19 or has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coro-
navirus; have already been tested for, and a veterinarian has Limit interaction with caregivers and OpK9s suspected or
ruled out, other more common infections that cause respira- confirmed to be positive for COVID-19 . The current con-
tory disease in K9s (e.g., CIRDC); and are showing clinical sensus is to quarantine OpK9s within the home and, if possi-
signs consistent with COVID-19. 19 ble, the infected caretaker/handler should avoid or minimize
direct contact with the OpK9. Rather, designate care to an
For OpK9s displaying signs of respiratory disease or flu-like uninfected member of the household. If an infected handler/
signs, contact a veterinarian to determine the appropriate pro- caregiver must provide primary care, as in the case of service
tocol for evaluation and testing. Refer to the following Cen- animals, then to decrease any possible transmission, the in-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) link for more fected caregiver should maintain good hand hygiene and wear
information regarding testing: https://www.cdc.gov/corona a face mask anytime they are around their canine; avoid close
virus/2019-ncov/php/animal-testing.html. contact (e.g., face licks, petting, hugging); and not share food,
dishes, utensils, or other items with their canine. An addi-
What Should One Do if an Operational K9 tional recommendation is to minimize interaction between
Tests Positive for SARS-CoV-2? OpK9s and other people or animals outside the household.
Keep OpK9s on a leash, maintaining at least 6-feet distance
According to CDC guidelines, should an OpK9 test positive between them and other people and animals. Avoid dog parks
for SARS-CoV-2 or develop signs suggestive of COVID-19, or public places where many people and dogs gather. For com-
if not already aware, immediately notify the OpK9’s primary plete guidance refer to the CDC’s “Interim Guidance for Pub-
veterinarian. Reporting at the state, national (US Department lic Health Professionals Managing People With COVID-19 in
of Agriculture), and international levels (World Organization Home Care and Isolation Who Have Pets or Other Animals”
for Animal Health) is mandatory at this time for any animal, and American Veterinary Medical Association recommenda-
government or privately owned, that tests positive and is not tions regarding “SARS-CoV-2 in Animals” listed under “Rec-
experimentally infected. A veterinarian, in collaboration with ommended Reading” section at the end of this article.

106 | JSOM Volume 20, Edition 3 / Fall 2020