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This document supersedes the versions authored on the 29/05/2020, 17/05/2020 and 6/04/2020. It takes into account the Public Health England advice which was updated on 20/08/2020 and is now a joint document from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Public Health Wales (PHW), Public Health Agency (PHA) Northern Ireland, Health Protection Scotland (HPS)/National Services Scotland, Public Health England (PHE), and NHS England; The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance which was updated on the 20/08/2020 on when and how to use masks; the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) guidelines which were updated on 27/07/2020; the RCVS latest guidelines which were updated on 10/12/2020.

A version with track changes is available upon request from [email protected].

This document sets out to answer the following frequently asked questions:

What are the key measures I can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission?
Should I wear a uniform?
When should I wear gloves?
What if the supply of gloves to veterinary practice becomes limited?
Do I need to wear a face mask as a routine in veterinary practice?
Do I need to use full PPE as routine?
What should I wear for offsite visits?
What PPE should I use when dealing with an animal from a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive household?
Should we wash or wipe down animals in the practice?
What should I wear to clean the practice?
How should I wash myself and my clothes?
What should I do if there is a shortage of PPE?
Other useful links

This document has been written by Dr Tim Nuttall BVSc BSc CertVD CBiol MRSB PhD MRCVS and Pam Mosedale BVetMed MRCVS. It is based on information gathered during the production of the RCVS Knowledge webinar, Part 1: Infection control and biosecurity during COVID-19, recorded on the 29th March 2020 (https://youtu.be/52tHcC-qjEI) and on information set out in the useful links.

Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational purposes and does not override the responsibility of the practitioner. Informed decisions should be made by considering such factors as the current evidence base, individual clinical expertise and judgement along with patients’ circumstances and owners’ values. While RCVS Knowledge believe that all content herein are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication, they accept no legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, and make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to material contained within.

Nathalie Dowgray, MRCVS and Head of the International Society of Feline Medicine, talks about how can we offer a cat-friendly environment while adhering to cleaning protocols during COVID-19.

RCVS Knowledge webinar on COVID-19 Mythbusting. Offering quick and concise answers to common questions regarding COVID-19 and the veterinary profession, helping you to manage enquiries, patients and your team.

Up until Christmas, the QI team will be sharing our 12 days of QI Christmas, a light-hearted take on quality improvement and a few treats to end the year with a smile. In our latest Significant Event Audit, we look at why the Grinch stole Christmas.

Dan O'Neil Declaration of Interests

Pam Mosedale Declaration of Interests

Richard Killen, former Director of Clinical Services at CVS and Angela Rayner, Clinical Services Manager at CVS and current RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Advisor, discuss how to embed ‘systems thinking’ into a practice team, and what CVS have been doing to improve quality and safety. 

Lucie Goodwin DOI 2020

Molly Varga Smith, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, discusses what advice to give owners of ferrets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Molly Varga Smith, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, discusses the SARS-CoV-2 mutation in minks in Denmark.

RCVS Knowledge webinar on COVID-19 Mythbusting. Offering quick and concise answers to common questions regarding COVID-19 and the veterinary profession, helping you to manage enquiries, patients and your team.

Molly Varga Smith, MRCVS and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, discusses whether ferrets and other mustelids pose a zoonotic risk for COVID-19.

RCVS Knowledge's COVID-19 Mythbusting webinars offer quick and concise answers to common questions regarding COVID-19 and the veterinary profession, helping you to manage enquiries, patients and your team.