NEW YORK – Pets that have been in close contact with Ebola-infected people should be quarantined and – if they test positive – euthanized, according to new guidance issued Wednesday by a veterinarians’ group.
The American Veterinary Medical Association compiled the guidance after a dog in Spain was euthanized because its owner contracted Ebola and a dog belonging to an infected nurse in Dallas was quarantined and then released.
The guidelines say a pet that may have been infected should be quarantined, away from other animals, for 21 days. The animal’s handlers should wear protective equipment similar to what’s worn by hospital workers who treat Ebola patients.