ASHRAF S. ALIAS
Basic Nursing Sciences Department, Nursing College, Mosul University, Iraq
*(e-mail : ashraf.saddik.@uomosul.edu.iq; Mobile : +964 07701773974)
(Received : April 9, 2022; Accepted : June 9, 2022)
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic represented a health threat to the world and since then, folks were forced to
use disinfectants while not taking note of the negative effects it had on humans and animals. To
estimate it, a survey study was undertaken (using a questionnaire) on the adverse effects of disinfectants
utilized by citizens in home (within the town of Mosul) on the fauna and birds in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study showed that housewives used highest (37%) disinfectants and the least was used by staff in
health departments (16%). It was distributed over 12 residential neighbourhoods (districts) in Mosul.
Most of the survey participants observed signs of itching, eyes inflammation and breathing problems.
The study showed that the foremost ordinarily used disinfectants were 70% alcohol and 3% chlorine.
Therefore, wrong use of such disinfectants showed highest symptom of abdominal pain (95%) in animals
and birds and the lowest sign of death (20%). The keepers of animals and birds additionally suffered
from itching and eyes inflammation and difficulty in breathing. Only 33% of such animals and birds were
taken to veterinary health care where the best-prescribed drug was 42% amoxicillin and 32% normal
saline as eyewash. Thus, lack of information among animal keepers about the dangers of disinfectants
and the fear of disease led to the exposure of domestic animals to their negative adverse effects.
Key words : Disinfectants, animals, birds, COVID-19 pandemic, side effects, adverse effects