coronavirus.gov
The AVMA is now updating veterinarians and their teams at the website: https://www.avma.org/ and on the blog: https://www.avma.org/blog/what-do-you-need-know-about-coronavirus , https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19
View up to date information on how Illinois is handling the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the Illinois Department of Public Health: https://www2.illinois.gov/
COVID-19 FAQs for Veterinarians and Veterinary Clinics
COVID-19 FAQs for Pet Owners
Short on masks and gowns? The FDA can help you make the most out of what you have left.
Additional Resources
For answers to general questions about coronavirus: 5 Things Everyone Should Know About the Coronavirus (https://www.yalemedicine.org/stories/2019-novel-coronavirus/)
How Not to Get Sick While Travelling (https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel-sick.html)
8 Questions Employers Should Ask About Coronavirus (https://hbr.org/2020/03/8-questions-employers-should-ask-about-coronavirus)
Veterinary telemedicine: Are we leading? https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/veterinary-telemedicine-leading/)
Doctors and Patients Turn to Telemedicine in the Coronavirus Outbreak (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/health/telemedicine-coronavirus.html)
During this time of uncertainty, it is essential to stay informed and take proper precautions to protect ourselves and others from the spread of the virus.
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Two salient developments:
1. Alert – February 28, 2020: News reports indicate that Hong Kong authorities quarantined a dog after samples from the dog’s nasal cavity and mouth tested “weak positive” for the virus. The dog’s owner has tested positive for COVID-19. Currently the implications of a “weak positive” test result are unclear, and it is unknown if the detected presence of the virus is due to infection or environmental contamination. The Hong Kong Agricultural, Fisheries, and Conservation Department has issued a statement: Detection of low level of COVID-19 virus in pet dog. The AVMA has reached out to the CDC for more information, and we will continue to provide updates as we learn more about this issue.
2. The AVMA has learned from FDA that there are 32 animal drug firms that make finished drugs or source active pharmaceutical ingredients in China for the United States market. The FDA has contacted all 32 firms and no shortages have been reported at this time. However, six of those firms have indicated that they are seeing disruptions in the supply chain that soon could lead to shortages. The FDA is working with these firms to help identify interventions to mitigate potential shortages. FDA has done similar work on the medical product/device side. A webpage has been created through which the FDA is sharing information around the availability of drugs and medical supplies, which is available here: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-supply-chain-update [eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. AVMA is also in close communication with FDA and supporting its efforts by gathering information about drug needs and any related concerns from veterinarians, practices/practice groups, and veterinary distributors. Veterinarians are encouraged to send information regarding any supply chain issues of concern to the AVMA at coronavirus@… (a new e-mail address established this morning to facilitate communication with veterinarians). Detailed information on the product of concern and the manufacturer/distributor of that product will be most helpful.