Video recorded on April 2, 2020
As the documented cases and concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) increase, we know that many riders are thinking about how to best protect their families, both two-legged and four-legged. We also know there are many questions about how coronavirus affects horses, so we had Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s Staff Veterinarian, Research & Medical Director, ask Dr. Frank Andrews of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine some of the most common coronavirus questions we’ve heard.
We encourage customers to visit our FAQ and resource center for the latest information about COVID-19, its impact on companion animals, and our up-to-date response.
For more information on keeping yourself and your horses safe, check out the additional links below:
World Health Organization Q&A on COVID-19
Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)
Thank you for adding this page and video.
Has there been any changes to what we know about pets and COVID-19 transmission since the report of tiger at Bronx zoo testing positive?
Hi Ms. Kindler, thank you for your question. No, there has been no change to what we know about COVID-19 and our animals. The CDC has still not received any reports of pets or livestock becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, and they have no information that suggests domestic animals, including pets and livestock, might play a role in the spread of COVID-19. That said, out of an abundance of caution and until more is known about the virus, they are also still recommending that those ill with COVID-19 restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as they would restrict contact with other people. This information came from the American Veterinary Medical Association https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/sars-cov-2-animals-including-pets. We also encourage you to reach out to your local veterinarian with questions. –Dr. Lydia Gray
Hi SmartPak!
I have a question for the amazing vets, I hope this is the right place to ask it. My new horse refuses to turn left, he didn’t do this when I tried him or first got him, it only started a couple of weeks ago. He also throws his head down all to way to the ground when I try to stop him after jumps which started happening at the same time. He just recently had his teeth checked as we thought this was the problem but it is still happening. I tried to keep the question short but let me know if you need more details.
Thanks so much, Becky