Thought of the Day - August 2 2021 - Animal COVID

While this stuff does not usually make headlines there continue to be stories and issues concerning animals and COVID.

We first touched on the subject that other mammals can contract COVID early last year ( Thought of the Day - We May Not Be the Only Creatures Affected ). Thus, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that we have transported around the world, and the associated COVID disease, has probably had a direct effect on many animals over the past year. For example, we have talked plenty about mink ( Thought of the Day - June 2 2021 - Mink Again ) - it did not surprise me there was yet another outbreak in a BC mink farm last month.

In response, vaccines are being developed specifically targeted to animals. While the vaccine is probably no different than what we take, as in humans it is the dosage and delivery that need to be perfected. To this end, last month at the Oakland Zoo the vaccine was given to the zoo's highest-risk animals, including tigers, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions and ferrets.

Decreasing the chance of coronavirus spread is just another reason to give our neighbourhood black bear a wide berth.

Neighbourhood Wildlife - came across a bear at the cut-though last week

There have also been interesting stories over the past year such as dogs being training to detect COVID. As discussed before, it is unlikely anything will come of this work, but the story still persists, probably as journalists continue the search for good news stories ( Thought of the Day - November 11 - Detector Dogs Revisited ).

Probably the most profound effects come from the dramatic changes in human habits that have happened over the last year. In some cases, the decrease in travel, for example, means that some rural ecosystems have had a chance to recover, and lower pollution levels have even helped urban dwellers. However, unfortunately, most effects are negative. The economic impact of restrictions in travel, curfews, and supply chain disruptions have forced millions back to subsistence living, and part of this is the necessity to poach in order to put food on the table. In addition when food is in short supply feral cats, dogs and rat populations that live on a steady diet of human refuse also starve ( Thought of the Day - April 29th - Oh Rats ).

We talk about the stress of this change on humans but let us not forget our actions cause similar stresses on the wildlife around us. So remember, as well as being kind to each other, we need to be extra kind to the wildlife around us.

Cheers

Cliff