Corona Virus (Covid-19) News for March 2020

Covid-19 client interactions applicable for our reproductive specialty practice: In order to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during interactions with clients, the AAEP Infectious Disease Committee shares the following advice for veterinary professionals:

Require hand sanitization or the wearing of disposable exam gloves for all clients entering and leaving a clinic/hospital.

Institute for staff, clients and professionals a no-hand-shake policy with clients and all others to the clinic/hospital as well as with each other. Hand sanitization between all client interactions will be required.

Limit the number of individuals attending an appointment to one owner or handler per horse. Additional owners can be asked to join the appointment via FaceTime video or speakerphone. No elective visitation of your mare or foal. Drop off and pick up interactions will be strictly limited in both scope and time.

Ensure that those responsible for cleaning our practice, ambulatory vehicle and equipment are using appropriate disinfectants for COVID-19. Many products are effective in killing viral pathogens, including COVID-19. Focus cleaning efforts on door and stall handles, railings, flat door handles, shared practice equipment and other frequently touched surfaces.

Prior to each appointment, communicate our healthy practice procedures to clients. Reschedule the appointments of any clients exhibiting symptoms of illness that include cough, fever (100.4 degrees F / 38 degrees C or higher) and/or shortness of breath, or have traveled to an area of active COVID-19 transmission within the previous two weeks.

If an animal must receive immediate medical evaluation and the owner is ill, ask the owner to arrange for another individual to be present. Conduct telemedicine rechecks for patients when possible.