Do Animals Need Vaccination Against COVID-19?

Are Veterinary Vaccines for COVID-19 Approved?

Not yet. While there isn't a specific COVID-19 vaccine approved for veterinary use, several vaccines for animals that are already in use might be beneficial. These include rabies, distemper, parvo, and leptospirosis vaccines. Additionally, if you live in areas where the N3 H2 flu, commonly known as dog flu, is prevalent, your dog should be vaccinated.

In Los Angeles, for instance, there has been an increase in dog flu cases. As a result, my dog received the vaccination yesterday. This highlights the importance of keeping up-to-date with recommended vaccinations for pets.

What About Other Animals Infected with SARS-CoV-2?

SARS-CoV-2 has been found to infect a wide variety of mammals, not just pets. The infections have been documented in a range of species, including deer, snow leopards, minks, dogs, cats, tigers, gorillas, cougars, otters, bank voles, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, pigs, rabbits, raccoon dogs, rats, mice, rhesus macaques, baboons, grivets, and marmosets. However, to date, there is no evidence of birds or captive sea mammals being infected with the virus.

While animals might not fully consent to vaccination, the potential for zoonotic transmission remains a concern. This means that if pets carry the virus, it could potentially jump to humans, leading to a new cycle of infection. Zoos are already administering a specific vaccine for animals in an effort to prevent this.

A Historic Perspective on Pet Vaccinations

Regular vaccination for pets such as cats, dogs, cows, and horses has been standard procedure for veterinarians for decades. Routine vaccinations against diseases like rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus (in dogs), calicivirus (in cats), tetanus, and equine encephalitis are commonly required.

For instance, since becoming a vet 40 years ago, I have been regularly vaccinating cats, dogs, cows, and horses. Rabies vaccinations are often legally required by localities and states. Distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and calicivirus are also routinely administered in dogs and cats, respectively.

Additionally, tetanus and equine encephalitis vaccines are crucial for horses, while brucella vaccines are necessary for cattle. These vaccines play a crucial role in protecting both the health of the animals and the safety of their human companions.

Given the ongoing nature of the pandemic, it may be advisable for veterinarians to develop and administer vaccines specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2 to prevent animal-to-human transmission. This proactive approach could help in maintaining public health, especially in close proximity to animals.

Conclusion

The need for vaccinations in animals against SARS-CoV-2 is a topic of ongoing research. While no specific vaccine is currently approved for veterinary use, the potential for cross-species transmission is a critical concern. Regular vaccinations for pets and livestock continue to be essential, and the development of specific SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for animals is a logical step in our ongoing efforts to control the virus.