Can I Call the Vet During Coronavirus?

The British Equestrian Veterinary Association’s (BEVA) view is that they should be doing everything possible to protect human health and follow the recommendations and advice from the UK government, which is based on efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID 19 virus and to protect the NHS. At the same time we need to maintain the provision of 24-hour emergency care. They go on to say:

  • “We should concentrate on maintaining a 24-hour emergency service for our equine patients. All non-essential and routine work should be stopped.
  • We recommend that routine procedures, including pre-purchase examinations, routine dentistry, routine health checks, poor performance / mild lameness examinations, etc. should be stopped immediately.
  • Telephone / video consultations should be used when feasible.
  • For cases where physical examinations are absolutely necessary (i.e. for ill and injured patients), then a declaration from the owner / trainer that they are free from COVID 19 symptoms should be obtained beforehand and social distancing (i.e. at least 2 metres between people) should be practised – however we appreciate that this may not always be safe, and vets are urged to use their professional judgement and only break the “2 metres rule” when absolutely necessary for maintaining animal and human welfare.
  • Routine 6-monthly influenza booster vaccinations be stopped.”

At the time of publishing, the above information is correct, but for the latest BEVA updates click the following link or contact your own vet: https://www.beva.org.uk/coronavirus