Coronavirus Transmission: Misinformation spells trouble for pet owners

With the arrival of novel coronavirus striking fear in the hearts of many, misinformation circulated through social media and leaflets by a number of government bodies has caused worries for pet owners in the capital, as some landlords have notified tenants to get rid of their pets or vacate the house.

In light of this, an animal rights group on March 18 served a legal notice on six government agencies, asking to take necessary steps.

According to the World Health Organization, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Organisation For Animal Health, there is not enough evidence that the Covid-19 virus can be contracted through pets. However, they all suggested to maintain hygiene while dealing with animals.   

This correspondent found digital leaflets by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) circulating on social media, as well a notification of the Press Information Department (PID), saying the virus spreads through animals.

Supreme Court lawyer Sayeda Ferdous Ahmed lives in a flat in Dhanmondi with eight cats. On March 15, the building's flat owners' association issued a notice to keep the flats free from pets, as a precautionary measure to coronavirus. 

"They said they held a meeting. I am an owner of a flat too. But I didn't know that such a decision has been taken. The general secretary of the association is not cooperating with me about this either," she complained. 

"We can't just dispose of off our pets!" she exclaimed.

The manager of the society was contacted numerous times over phone, but he declined the calls.

Iftikhar Mahmud rented a house this January in Nikunja. He has seven pets including cats, hamsters and gerbils. Last week, his house owner asked him to discard his pets or leave the house.

"I decided to leave the house and look for a house whose owner is not holding on to rumours. Such a situation happened as they [house owners] got misinformation from different leaflets and social media," said Ifikhar, a university student.   

It has been only one month since Mozammel Hoque Hridoy rented a house in Rayerbag. But since the news of coronavirus got spread, his house owner asked to leave the house immediately with his cats.

"It is difficult to find a house at such a short notice. I tried to convince them, but they did not listen. They misbehaved with me for trying to persuade them," said Hridoy, a private jobholder.    

Despite repeated attempts to contact a number of building owners who had given out such notices, none could be reached over phone for comments.

LEGAL NOTICE ON GOVT BODIES  

People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation, an animal rights organisation, sent legal notices on March 18 to six different government entities -- DGHS, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), DNCC and DSCC, Department of Livestock Services and PID to immediately stop the circulation of the unfounded misinformation.

Founder Chairman of Paw Foundation Rakibul Haq Emil said, "Leaflets and social media posters are circulating that animals can spread Covid-19. However, WHO, CDC and OIE never said any such thing; rather they said to maintain hygiene always, and it is a regular drill for everyone."

"Without understanding the fact, people are panicking. If it continues, imagine what will happen to livestock in villages. Besides, us pet owners are also facing difficulties in this regard. Government entities should take steps regarding the matter," he told The Daily Star.

When asked if PID checked on the matter before circulating it, Chief Information Officer of the department Surath Kumar Sarker said, "The information was given by DGHS, as they are the experts on it. We don't have experts. But we will look into it,"

Contacted over phone, DNCC Chief Health Officer Brig General Momimur Rahman Mamun said, "We didn't know that people are panicking over the spread of the disease by animals. We will talk with our health officers and raise awareness so that people don't panic over misinformation of spreading of the virus by animals." 

Asked the same the question, Prof Dr Sanya Tahmina, additional director general (planning and development) of DGHS, said, " There is no evidence that Covid-19 is spread through animals directly. If someone disseminate such information on behalf of us, then we'll check it."