Vol. 10, Issue 5 (2021)

Author(s):
Swagatika Priyadarsini, Rohit Singh, Arun Somagond, Puja Mech, Raj Kumar Patel and Mukesh Gangwar

Abstract:
Coronavirus disease is the current cause of global concern. The massive outbreak of COVID-19 has led World Health Organization (WHO) to declare this as a pandemic situation. It became the first pandemic by any of the coronaviruses affecting humans or animals. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19 leading to acute respiratory distress and substantial mortality. Animals have been an integral part of human life from time immemorial. From providing food, as companion animals to maintaining ecological balance they have had a varied role to play in human life. The laboratory confirmation of the pet dog, being weakly positive to SARS-CoV-2, in Hong Kong has shown human-to-animal transmission (zooanthroponotic) route. Such similar reports of human to other animal species transmission have also been reported in several countries. In this situation the role of veterinarian assumes an important perspective in treating the animals as well as helping in food security, disease diagnosis, surveillance, boosting economy of livestock stakeholders at the grassroot level etc. In the absence of any selective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, re-purposed drugs are advocated. It is anticipated that the world will triumph over the COVID-19 infection with collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. The adoption of suitable public health preventive measures and strengthening medical facilities are the best options for managing disease. This review gives an insight into the confirmed SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in animals, including the factors behind the shuffling of virus among variety of species and the role of veterinarians in managing and safeguarding public health so as to pave the way for adopting one health approach with an aim to conserve biodiversity.