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One of the latest developments in today’s COVID-19 environment is the infection of cats (big and small) and dogs by the novel coronavirus. As you can imagine, this update has caused many pet owners to become concerned. With rumors swirling and so many outlets reporting information about the virus, it can be difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction.
We’re here to set the record straight about the current relationship between COVID-19 and pets. All of the facts that we are about to present to you have come from the Veterinary Information Network, USDA and CDC. These are some of the many professional organizations that are working hard to provide the general public with accurate, reliable and helpful information about the virus while ongoing research presents us with new information. So let’s get started — we’re keeping today’s discussion brief and to the point.
How many animals have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus?
In the United States: two domestic cats in New York state, one domestic dog (a pug) in North Carolina, and five tigers and three lions in the Bronx Zoo in New York.
Outside the United States: one domestic cat and two domestic dogs in Hong Kong, and one domestic cat in Belgium.
Did all of the animals in the U.S. that tested positive also show signs of illness?
The short answer is no — not all of these animals showed clinical signs.
The two household cats in New York both showed signs of upper respiratory illness, which is why they were tested for the virus in the first place. The owner of one cat had tested positive for COVID-19. The owners of the other cat had not been tested and had not fallen ill; it is most likely that this cat contracted the virus by an asymptomatic human/household member.
The pug in South Carolina had a mild cough for a couple of days. Family members in his household had tested positive for the virus.
Four of the tigers and all three lions at the Bronx Zoo were showing signs of respiratory illness, including dry coughs and wheezing. The fifth tiger that tested positive did not develop any symptoms. All of the infected zoo animals are doing well.
How did those animals contract the virus?
At this time, there is no evidence of animals passing the virus to each other. Professionals believe that infection of dogs and cats can only happen when they are exposed to a human who is carrying the virus.
This belief also applies to the big cats at the Bronx Zoo. The five infected tigers resided in the same facility but lived separately. Tigers are a solitary species of cat who live independently of one another. The three lions lived in a different building from the tigers. There were also tigers in another area of the zoo that did not contract the virus.
It is most likely that an asymptomatic zookeeper transmitted the virus to the cats at the zoo, and that the owners/household members of the infected pets (some were symptomatic, others were likely asymptomatic) transmitted the virus to those animals.
Why were those animals able to be tested when human tests are limited?
Human samples are tested for the coronavirus by human laboratories. Animal samples are tested by veterinary laboratories. Testing the 11 animal patients in the United States did not take away from any human testing.
An interesting note — veterinary laboratories have developed a way to test animals for the SARS-CoV-2 virus using fecal samples. This is especially good news for large cats like lions and tigers, who would otherwise have to be fully sedated in order to undergo testing for the virus.
Are my pets at risk? Should they be tested?
As of now, the CDC and USDA both are continuing to advise against routine coronavirus testing in household pets. While it’s true that we are still learning about this virus, there is no evidence to-date that pets play a part in its transmission. The virus was originally transmitted to humans from an animal source (most likely bats), but now has mainly been spreading from human to human. The infected household and zoo animals have shown that it is possible, although less common, for humans to spread the virus to animals. There is no evidence so far that animals can spread the virus to humans or to other animals.
Given what we know about COVID-19, the CDC continues to recommend that pet owners take certain precautions to protect their pets:
- Do not let your pets interact with other people or animals from different households. Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least six feet of separation from other people and animals, and keep cats indoors if possible.
- Avoid dog parks and other gathering places.
- If you are sick, try to avoid all contact with your pets. It is best to arrange for someone else to care for your pets while you are sick. If this is not possible, make sure to wear a face mask/covering when caring for your pets, and wash your hands before and after interacting with them.
There currently is no vaccine for dogs or cats that provides immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
