DEAR READERS: We may have learned something about karma and the laws of consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. We should not forget that the virus responsible for this global calamity came from animals as a result of human exploitation.

International trade in animals -- wild and domesticated, dead and alive -- for human consumption should be curtailed as a public health service, as well as for national security and animal health and welfare. Farmed animal production and trade within nations should be tempered to help reduce this major industry’s contribution to the climate and extinction crises and the decline in public health. This industry also plays a role in rural poverty, as small, sustainable producers are marginalized and veterinary services primarily directed to large commercial operations.

A team of Vietnamese scientists, along with Amanda Fine and Sarah Olson of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, tested field rats harvested for human consumption for coronavirus at different points along the wildlife supply chain in Vietnam. They found that the infection rates increased markedly as the rats went down the chain: 20.7% of rats handled by wildlife traders tested positive compared to 32% of rats in marketplaces and 55.6% of rats in restaurants. The team also found that about 75% of bats on guano farms (constructed roosts where people collect and sell bat droppings for fertilizer) were infected with coronavirus -- more than 10 times the infection rate (6.7%) in naturally roosting bats. (Full story: “Coronavirus testing indicates transmission risk increases along wildlife supply chains for human consumption in Vietnam,” PLOS ONE)

According to a Nov. 27 article in The Guardian (London), a few thousand mink escape Denmark’s fur farms every year -- and it’s possible some carrying SARS-CoV-2 are now in the wild, says Sten Mortensen, veterinary research manager at Denmark’s Veterinary and Food Administration. Mink are solitary animals, but an infected mink could transmit the virus to ferrets, raccoon dogs (an invasive species related to foxes) and possibly domestic cats.

All who live or work with animals, or come close to them in any way, must now practice preventive measures. Many mammalian species could be infected by humans and become a source of human reinfection.

DEAR DR. FOX: I just read your column entitled “Animal Spirits and Alternative Realities.” The letter from T.G. in San Diego describes the very same experience I had after the death of my 16-year-old cat, Rocco.

I never told anyone about it for fear people would think I was crazy or dreaming at the time. I was awake, but kept my eyes closed during Rocco’s “visitation” because I was afraid he would vanish if I opened my eyes. The experience gave me comfort in a time of deep grieving.

Since T.G. had never owned a cat, I am curious about the retirement community he moved into three years ago. I’m specifically wondering about the previous owner of the condo: Did that person have a much-loved cat who is attached to the place? I have lived with cats and dogs since I was 4 years old, and I feel cats are more attached to places than to people -- the opposite of dogs. -- C.F., Mishawaka, Indiana

DEAR C.F.: I appreciate you sharing your experience with your deceased cat. Many people having after-life experiences with their animal companions share your feeling of being comforted by such visitations, especially during the grieving period.

With T.G.’s experience, there was probably a cat living in the place sometime prior to his occupancy. Another couple has told me that they had frequent visitations, feeling a cat jump on their bed at night, before coming to learn that the prior owners of their home did indeed have a cat.

As a rational person with the skeptical objectivity of a scientist, I am drawn to the metaphysics of these existential phenomena. Many people have also reported their surviving pets’ reactions and responses to visitations from recently deceased pets, as documented in two of my books: “Cat Body, Cat Mind” and “Dog Body, Dog Mind.”

HOOKWORMS PREVALENT IN PETS THROUGHOUT U.S.

In July, the Companion Animal Parasite Council reported continued increases in the presence of hookworms, with the highest monthly increases in canine or feline hookworm infections occurring in Georgia, South Dakota and California.

“This demonstrates how vital it is for dogs and cats to be protected against hookworm parasites with broad-spectrum, year-round preventatives and, at a minimum, biannual testing,” said veterinarian Craig Prior, a CAPC board member. “By protecting your pet, you are protecting other pets, your family, other families and your entire community.” (Full story: Veterinary Practice News, Aug. 18)

An evaluation of dog parasites in parks across the country has confirmed the need to have dogs’ stool samples routinely tested as part of at least one wellness examination every year. Ideally, this would be done twice yearly.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: When animals greet us, play with us and care for us -- especially children -- with patient understanding, we are witness to a spiritual connection between one species and another. Our relationships with other animals can be life- and love-affirming.

It saddens me that people who have never yet enjoyed such experiences may be empathy-challenged, as may be those who kill animals for pleasure (the so-called recreational, “sport” and trophy hunters). They may immunize themselves from moral injury through desensitization and treating animals as objects.

Wild animals, from soaring eagles to howling wolves, fill people with awe and have spiritually inspired us for millennia. This is why millions of people worldwide fight to protect wildlife from exploitation and extinction, as well as from human ignorance and indifference. Preserving wild animals in zoos and safari parks is not conservation. Pecuniary interests aside, these are feel-good enterprises when not linked with species conservation in the wild.

When wild animals -- notably, orphaned animals raised by humans -- trust us, they will commune with us in spirit. Such are the blessings given by all creatures when our hearts are open to them, and theirs to us. However, wild animals should never be regarded or marketed as pets, nor should hybrids like “wolfdogs” and Savannah cats be created. If rehabilitation and release are possible, bonding with humans is to be avoided.

We should resist the temptation to feed and even pet wild animals in our national parks and wildlife refuges, for their safety as well as ours. Avoid contact with wild animals who approach humans fearlessly, because they could be rabid. Call the police or animal control if one seems ill or injured. Millions of small birds and mammals are killed or injured by free-roaming domestic cats, but some recover from their injuries when carefully rescued and taken to wildlife rehabilitators.

We should understand our ancient, innate fear of some species such as spiders and snakes, and teach children to respect them, not to instinctively kill them. When we experience awe and wonder rather than revulsion or terror -- with a healthy fear and respect of those creatures who could harm us if we invade their space or threaten their young -- we open the door to beautiful spiritual communion and connection.

BOOK REVIEW: ‘BEHIND THE VEIL’

“A Glimpse Behind the Veil: Stories About the Human-Animal Connection” by Richard D. Rowland

The author is a Vietnam War veteran and retired Kentucky state police officer given three years to live after a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. But his experiences with horses and other animals were both healing and revelatory. Many similar accounts by other people are included in this inspiring book, serving to confirm the spiritual nature and healing powers of all creatures, great and small, when we are open to them.

My endorsement on the cover of this book reads: “For a human to be loved by another animal is to receive one of the many blessings of the animal kingdom. To love an animal is one step into that kingdom of our origin, which is where our humility, empathy and compassion evolve to define and refine our humanity with the promise of dignity and grace. ‘A Glimpse Behind the Veil’ helps us find our way and affirms the wisdom of an open heart.”

DEAR DR. FOX: We have a small Chihuahua mix, and my wife and I are not in agreement over giving her a treat of cheese now and then. What is your opinion? --- J.K.G., Washington, D.C.

DEAR J.K.G.: All things in moderation. Some dogs are intolerant of dairy products, but most enjoy them. In addition to giving your dog small pieces of cheese, your options include putting some cottage cheese or plain yogurt in her daily food. I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on my dog’s dinner now and then.

Avoid any cheese that is colored red or orange: Annatto, a natural substance often used to achieve these colors, can cause seizures in small dogs. And if your dog is overweight, cut back on treats in general, especially if she eats an all-kibble diet.

I only buy certified organic dairy products because so many dairy cows in the U.S. are injected with rBGH (genetically engineered bovine growth hormone) to stimulate increased milk production. Its use is prohibited in several countries for cows’ well-being and potential consumer health risks.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: Now more than ever, our children are overwhelmed with the challenges of an often unkind and troubled world. From our politicians down to our social media interactions, people are bickering like never before. As we move toward an increasingly digital world filled with echo chambers and cyberbullying, we seem to be losing our ability to appreciate and respect others who aren’t exactly like us.

Children often feel like they have little agency in their lives, and animals present an opportunity for them to exercise power and control over another vulnerable being. Children who abuse animals may be acting out lessons learned at home by responding to their frustrations with violence -- a reaction that tends to amplify over time. Violence begets violence, and it’s troublesome when directed toward animals and humans alike.

In almost every interaction, animals are at our mercy, and teaching kids the importance of handling that power with gentle kindness cannot be overestimated.

I created The Good Kid Project to reinforce in children a sense of tolerance, humility and compassion for others. Our first product is a story series called “We’re All Animals,” which highlights the similarities we share with other animals. This series (intended for ages 4-12) can help any parent or educator teach kids kindness and compassion that will last a lifetime. The complete box set includes 30 illustrated short stories, as well as discussion questions, a guidebook for parents and teachers, and more.

You can learn more or purchase a copy by visiting goodkidproject.com/box. -- Nick Coughlin, St. Paul, Minnesota

DEAR N.C.: I am sure that many parents and teachers will appreciate your efforts to broaden the education and sensitivities of children in these challenging times. It is evident that our humanity is as endangered as so many species -- and, indeed, our Mother Earth.

Crimes against nature, such as harming indigenous plant and animal species and their ecosystems, are also crimes against humanity because we and all life are interconnected and interdependent.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a Jack Russell terrier with a very sensitive stomach and skin, whom I have weaned off of more kibbles than I can count. She chews her feet, and the vet says she has very “yeasty” ears. He thinks it is all environmental allergies, but I tend to think it has to do with food, also.

Is there a kibble that you could recommend for these symptoms, or even a good home-cooked diet? I really prefer not to do raw. Grains do not seem to bother her, but I do not give her any corn, wheat or soy. When I have given her grain-free food in the past, it makes her stool loose -- maybe because of the legumes, chickpeas, pea starch, etc. that replace the grains in those recipes? -- M.E., Elizabeth, New Jersey

DEAR M.E.: Many dogs have issues with manufactured dog foods, especially dry kibble. The heat processing destroys many essential nutrients, so manufacturers add various synthetic additives to “balance” these deficiencies. Meanwhile, the original ingredients are often animal and plant byproducts lacking in nutrient value.

For details, see the book that I co-authored with two other veterinarians, “Not Fit for A Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Cat and Dog Food.” Countless numbers of my readers have used my basic home-prepared dog and cat food recipes, which are posted on my website (and which I am sending you), and have confirmed the health and behavioral benefits of good nutrition for their animal companions.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)