Novel Coronavirus Update

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a newly identified (‘novel’) strain of coronavirus in humans which appeared in Wuhan city in Hubei Province, China in December 2019.

It is thought the novel coronavirus originated in animals at the live animal market in Wuhan city and spread to humans. The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Health Regulations Emergency Committee has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The Australian Government Department of Health has published key information about the virus and Australia’s approach to it:

o Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They cause illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases. Severe diseases have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

o The virus can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience fever, flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and headaches, and difficulty breathing.

o Internationally, approximately 37,552 confirmed cases of the virus, and 813 deaths have been reported. In Australia, as of 9 Feb 2020, there are 15 confirmed cases of the virus in Australia (5 in Qld, 4 in Vic, 4 in NSW and 2 in SA).

o The Department of Health is discussing novel coronavirus with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, who manages Australia’s biosecurity at the border. Australia has well-established procedures to ensure people with illnesses travelling into the country are detected at the border.

o More information can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health page here and on the Health Direct website.

Please note:
o At present, there is no evidence that livestock or companion animals/pets such as dogs, cats can be infected with the 2019-nCoV virus.

o However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with animals.

o While this virus seems to have emerged from an unknown animal source in China, it is now spreading from person-to-person, and contact with people is the main route of infection.

o There is no evidence to suggest that any animals (livestock, pets or wildlife) in Australia might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.

As a human health emergency, any enquiries received by AHA will be directed to the Australian Government’s Department of Health, who are working with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

As mentioned above, there is no evidence at this stage that the current novel coronavirus can be transferred from humans to animals. The situation will be closely monitored for any change in this status.

Supplied by Animal Health Australia (AHA)

For more information contact Simon Humphrys, Executive Manager Biosecurity and Product Integrity Services AHA. Ph: 02 6203 3916 or [email protected]