DW BUREAU / LUDHIANA The veterinary hospital of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana has closed OPD services due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in faculty and staff. More than 50 interns/ residents and clinicians have been tested positive in the last 2-3 days. The information was shared by Dr. S S Randhawa, Director Veterinary Clinics. He said that to prevent further spread among staff as well as to protect the general public, the administration has taken the above decision to close OPD services. It has been further decided that till the end of COVID wave, examination of sick animals will be done by prior appointment only. All the farmers and pet owners are advised to seek prior appointment on telephone no. 0161-2414011 in case of any emergency. From 17.01.2022 onwards, only cases with pre-appointment will be examined. He also shared some guidelines for the animal owners. Emergency services will be active from Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. but on Saturdays and government holidays timings will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Only referral cases will be entertained in the university hospital. Take prior appointment for any referral case because of COVID (from 17.01.2022 at 01612414011). For thorough examination and proper treatment, visit the hospital at 9.00 a.m. On Saturdays and government holidays, facilities for some tests are not available. Test reports for patients presented after 12:30 p.m. may not be available on the same day and treatment may be delayed. Deposit the samples at the collection window. Collect test reports after 2-3 hr from the same window. Before bringing your animal to university hospital, please visit the local veterinary government dispensary. Sometimes your animal may suffer from simple problems and may be managed at local level. Get your pet registered with the local municipal cooperation to get discounted hospital charges. (editor@dailyworld.in)