Similar to previous novel coronaviruses like SARS, COVID-19 is thought to have originated from an animal host of unknown species in Wuhan City, China. Additionally, there are a number of actions you can take to protect your pets, again discussed below.Įpidemiologists and infectious disease specialists are closely monitoring this ever-evolving situation and until we learn more, the best practices for people and pets are outlined below.Ĭan animals transmit coronavirus COVID-19? There is also currently no evidence to suggest that domestic pets can transmit COVID-19 to humans, other than via fomite transmission, discussed in further detail below. While it appears theoretically possible for pets to become infected with COVID-19 and for cats to show mild disease symptoms, the risk of transmission from humans to pets remains extremely low.
What is the risk to my pet? Given the huge number of people infected globally who own pets, compared to the extremely small number of pets presenting symptoms and testing positive to COVID-19, the risk to domestic pets is minimal. This information is not entirely surprising given what we have learned from the testing of domestic cats in China and Belgium mentioned above, as cats (big or small), are somewhat similar. They were presumed to have been infected by an asymptomatic COVID-19-positive caretaker. Later, fecal samples showed that they may have been suffering from COVID-19. Several other big cats (3 tigers and 3 lions) were also suffering from a mild cough, however were not tested as this requires general anesthesia. This research however was very rudimentary, and there is much we still do not know.ĬOVID-19 cases in big cats Over the weekend of April 4th, news broke that a tiger at the Bronx Zoo had tested positive for COVID-19 after showing mild respiratory signs and a decrease in appetite.
#Can dogs transmit covid update#
Nonetheless, it appears that domestic pets do not become infected easily with COVID-19 and when they do, the ability to become clinically ill is even more unlikely.Ī recent update (from currently unpublished research in Wuhan, China) where cats were artificially inoculated with COVID-19 is that they could potentially “get the virus”, in that they produce antibodies to it, but do not necessarily become clinically ill. The ACE2 receptor of cats is nearly identical to the human receptor, whereas the dog ACE2 receptor is only about 70% the same as the human receptor.
#Can dogs transmit covid full#
The other pets have either already recovered, or are expected to make a full recovery.Ī large number of domestic pets have been tested for COVID-19, including specimens from the United States, Hong Kong, South Korea, Canada, and Europe, and to date, all of the tests have proved negative, with the exception of those mentioned above.Īre cats more susceptible than dogs? There is some speculation that cats may be slightly more susceptible than dogs, because the virus that causes COVID-19 enters cells via a receptor called ACE2. While his owner declined an autopsy, he had multiple ongoing health issues that most likely contributed to his death, as opposed to COVID-19, as he did not display any signs of respiratory disease during his quarantine. The first dog to test positive, a 17 year old Pomeranian, has sadly since passed away.
Three of the cats displayed mild respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, while the other cat and both dogs did not display any clinical symptoms. All six animals were owned by people infected with COVID-19. The CDC and other bodies have stated that it’s highly unlikely that pets will catch COVID-19.ĬOVID-19 cases reported in cats and dogs To date, a total of two dogs (in Hong Kong) and four cats (two in New York State, one in Hong Kong and one in Belgium) have tested positive for COVID-19.
The most common strains are canine enteric (CECoV), feline enteric (FCoV) and canine respiratory (CRCoV) coronavirus, which can cause gastro-intestinal or respiratory symptoms.ĬOVID-19, the current pandemic strain, is different from the above strains that commonly affect cats and dogs. There are many strains of coronavirus that can affect dogs and cats.
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