People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has reported that there has been no reported case of COVID-19 transmission from animals to humans in the midst of the current COVID-19 situation.
In an interview with ANI, PETA India CEO Manilal Valliyate stated, "There is no record of COVID-19 transmission from animals to humans as of today, particularly from companion animals such as dogs and cats, as well as from community animals."
The PETA official, on the other hand, indicates that COVID -19 transmission from humans to animals is possible.
" There are few reported cases of humans transmitting the virus to companion animals but there is nothing like animals infecting humans. The reason for a pandemic is human to human transmission," Valliyate said.
Dr. Ram Jatan, a senior veterinary practitioner in Delhi, agreed that corona virus is not transmitted from pets to humans.
He pointed out, "Corona virus is not transmitted from pet animals to humans. Vaccine against coronavirus for dogs is already available and the stain of corona is different for dogs".
Ram Jatan told ANI that, " Corona virus has been detected in various wild animals, specifically big cats across Indian zoos. The samples have been sent to the Indian Biological Sciences and Research Institute ( IBRI) for diagnosis, ".
He urged people to vaccinate their pets and complete the booster doses, and he advised people who are COVID -19 positive to keep their pets separate from them.
On April 12, 2021, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that human health cannot be viewed in isolation in an era of increased interaction between humans and animals, necessitating a "one Health" approach.
Vardhan stated during the release of the journal of the Indian Council Of Medical Research ( ICMR'One )'s Health' symposium that "we increased interaction between humans and animals, human health cannot be seen in isolation," adding that COVID-19 is more than a reminder of that fact.
"COVID-19 demonstrates the rapid spread of novel pathogens which can have a significant impact on the global economy. Preparedness for, and mitigation of such events require a 'One Health approach", the Minister said.
"The present international symposium is focused on 'One Health approach ' which recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment, " he said.
In April of this year (2021), two lionesses at Etawah Safari Park in Uttar Pradesh tested positive for COVID-19. Aside from that, eight Asiatic Lions at the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) Hyderabad tested positive for the SARS-CoV2 Virus.
