COVID

What Happened

The COVID situation led to significant changes in vet practice: remote consultations, fewer staff, delayed appointments, PPE requirements, and a sharp increase in pet ownership. Pandemic puppies were often found to have behaviour problems caused by lack of socialisation.

The One Health concept was also brought to the forefront during the pandemic, as SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated from an animal to human transmission.

Analysis

MMIs may delve into the following issues:

• Impact on the mental well being of veterinary staff members.
• The backlog of work and high demand resulting in longer waiting times.
• Increase in behavioural cases, separation anxiety, and training related issues.
• The role of veterinarians in the surveillance of zoonotic diseases.
• Ethical issues related to the limitation of routine procedures during the lockdown.

Some Statistics

• More than 3 million pets were acquired during the COVID period.
• There was a sharp rise in the demand for vet appointments, which in turn created pressure on the staffing situation.
• The rates of burnout across the profession went up between 2020 and 2022.