'No COVID-19 transmission from animals to humans'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 19 2020:
Amidst the alarming spread of COVID-19 all across the globe, including India, Director of State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Dr Haobijam Chaoba has clarified that people should not panic as there is no case till date of COVID-19 transmission from livestock and pets to humans.
However, the Director still urged the people to ensure that their livestock and animals are properly vaccinated and treated for any other illness.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Dr Haobijam Chaoba said that since the past, there have been some types of coronavirus which infect animals but these viruses are transmitted from animal to animal and the coronavirus affecting the animals do not affect humans.
According to scientists and experts, COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus which transmits from one person to another.
The Health Directorate has also been working to spread awareness about how to protect oneself from COVID-19, he said, urging all to follow the guidelines issued by the health authorities, like covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing, to avoid contact, using masks and hand sanitisers and thoroughly washing hands etc.
Appealing people to refrain from spreading any false rumours concerning COVID-19, the Veterinary Director clarified that meat like pork, chicken and beef can be consumed safely if properly cooked.
Proper hygiene must be maintained when rearing any livestock and pets and the surrounding areas must be kept neat and clean.
Moreover, it is important to vaccinate the animals, he added.
On the other hand, Dr Haobijam Chaoba narrated that 15 cows died due to an illness at Balok village, Tamenglong district on March 11 and acting swiftly, a team of the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry rushed to the area the next day to assess the situation.
The team also vaccinated the livestock in the village, he said, explaining that the 15 cows that died had not received any forms of vaccination in the past.
TB can affect cows and the milk produced by any affected cows will have the bacteria in it.
As such, it is imperative for the people rearing cows to get them vaccinated and thus prevent any forms of disease, he concluded.