Comment on the response by emergency veterinary hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Dear Editor,

The effect of COVID‐19 outbreak on veterinary service provision has been unprecedented. The adjustment of service provision to the crisis has been unavoidable. ¹ The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on veterinary practice has not been yet well described in the literature. Regarding COVID‐19 in animals, there is sparse evidence of possible infections in companion animals such as cats. ² , ³ Nevertheless, there is still no confirmation that zoonosis is contributing to pandemic in people. The typical close proximity found in veterinary hospitals and the close contact between pet owners visiting veterinary clinics are important issues for disease control during COVID‐19 pandemic. Standard infection control and universal prevention measures are necessary in every veterinary setting during the COVID‐19 pandemic. An important consideration is the possibility of zoonotic transmission. ⁴

The different responses by veterinary centers across the world are likely different. Here, I would like to share data on the situation from Indochina. At present, Indochina is still a hot foci for the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this region, there is still no report on any study regarding COVID‐19 infection in animals. Presently, the presence of COVID‐19 infection among veterinary practitioners in this area has not been documented. Nevertheless, in many countries in Indochina such as Thailand, the closure of veterinary clinics is the prevailing local preventive measurement for containment of COVID‐19. In Singapore and Malaysia, similar preventive actions are also being employed. Additionally, local legal control authorities have prohibited pet salon activities during lockdowns. ⁵

During lockdowns, clients and pets were only attended veterinary practices by consent and thermoscanning of pets and pet owners at the veterinary care centers were implemented. Nevertheless, there is still no veterinary care center in Indochina that has facility to test for COVID‐19 in animals.

The closure of veterinary practices during COVID‐19 may be a component for disease control. However, there is still no evidence that veterinarian care activity contributes to disease spreading. Veterinary practice closure might affect other important animal related diseases in the region. Indeed, the COVID‐19 control measures might result in other animal health problems. ⁶ A serious consideration should be given to diseases that can affect both animal and human health. For example, as a tropical zone, rabies is very common in Indochina. The closure of veterinary clinics likely impact rabies control measures. Whether there is any association between veterinary care service closure due to COVID‐19 outbreak and incidence of rabies merits close monitoring and further study.