A determined veterinarian has helped Australia’s 29,000,000 pets to be protected against Covid-19.
Dr Sam Kovac The world’s first and only Covid vaccine has been denied regulatory approval. It was created in Russia. However, it has continued to pursue this cause with determination.
Southern Cross Vets Sydney in Sydney was inundated by owners who were concerned that their pet might contract the virus.
However, Covid vaccines for furry friends require the sign off of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
Sam Kovac, a veterinarian (pictured with furry friends), is optimistic that Australia will soon allow pets to receive the Covid vaccine.
Dr Kovac stated that he was able to have a positive conversation with an authority figure about the $105,000 fee required to register the medicine.
They put me in touch to get an alternative permit. According to Daily Mail Australia, it looks like Fast Tracking is the wrong word. However, there’s an alternative way that can be used.
“It’s quite exciting. It looks like this is going to be a reality.
How will all the pets in Australia get vaccinated with a combined 5.1 million and 3.8 millions cats?
“I didn’t think about logistics, but it isn’t a very expensive vaccine per vial. Russia’s vets do most of the work, Dr Kovac said.
“You do not need to import millions of vaccines in order to get started. We could begin with a few thousand owners of pets if there’s interest.
It’s an easy vaccine, and could be manufactured 24 hours a days if the market is there. It must first be approved.
Australia may soon offer a Covid-19 vaccination to pets. A vet administering a Covid-19 vaccine to a dog is shown in the picture.
Dr Kovac indicated that the APVMA had been considering a permit for it to be used in an urgent use situation, much like how vaccines for people were prior to their full registration.
“So, I hope with all of the pertinent paperwork that I can submit to these folks that we will get a faster response than originally anticipated,” he stated.
Covid can be contracted by pets, but vets are not able to test them.
Dr Kovac stated that pets can indeed get Covid, despite many believing otherwise. However, there’s no proof they can give it humans.
“It is kinda strange because influenza, colds and other respiratory viruses don’t affect cats or dogs.” He said that he had never seen a case.
“But, there is plenty of evidence that Covid-19 can infect dogs, cats and ferrets overseas. In some cases, it can even be fatal and cause the same issues as us.
Covid-19 fearful dog with a face mask.
However, it has been very challenging to test pets for Covid.
“Universities can access these tests to test vaccines for Covid. But as a veterinarian, there is no way to determine if your pet has Covid.” he stated.
There are many tests to check for coronaviruses. However, there have been a lot of clients who called me last week and said that they were in isolation. They had symptoms such as a dog with coughing or diarrhoea, their cat having lethargy, and my dog is starting to get diarrhoea.
“I was worried they had given Covid, and I’m now cuddling them to calm my anxiety.”
“They’re my emotional support animals. “Do my pets have Covid?”
Dr Kovac was forced to inform them that there had been no testing and the animals weren’t protected as they hadn’t been vaccinated.
“All that is needed for our pets is one vaccine. This is not too high a demand, considering how these pets have been so helpful in our lives over the past few years. They owe us that, I believe,’ he stated.
China’s downtown Shanghai dog-walkers wear masks on February 16, 2020
The Russian pet vaccine has also been approved in Japan, Brazil, and other South American countries.
It’s available and ready for use. “It’s safe and proven technology. It doesn’t pose any risk to your pets or data.
How can owners deal with Covid in an age without a vaccine?
“Prevention is better than treatment,” is the old saying. If you’ve got Covid, just follow the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advice – don’t go cuddling your pet, isolate from them,’ he said.
It’s tempting for them to catch it, as they are our closest friends. But do your best to keep it from happening. Preventive measures are better than curative.
Daily Mail Australia contacted the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority but was unable to get a comment.
Pictured: A ferret walking on leash (pictured). Covid-19 can be given to ferrets as well as dogs, cats and mink.