Growing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic is keeping the public on edge, trying to stay protected against the infectious disease. The source of COVID-19 is yet to be found but is thought to originate from animals like MERS and SARS. There are still ongoing investigations to determine the cause, as the virus is still relatively new. Most cases documented were a result of community transmission to other humans. Yet, there have not been any cases of pets contracting the virus from humans until recently.

The United States has its first case of human to animal transmission at the Brooklyn Zoo, where an infected employee transferred the virus to Nadia, a tiger who tested positive for COVID-19. There are currently three other tigers and three lions that show the same symptoms. According to Dr. Paul Calle, head veterinarian of the Brooklyn Zoo, “None of them actually ever acted terribly sick,” concerning the health of the other cats currently infected. He stated that Nadia’s infection and scientific reports from China on domestic cats shouldn’t make owners afraid that the cats may transmit the virus to humans.

Now people are wondering if domestic pets are at risk for contracting the virus and if they could spread the disease to their owners or other animals as well. A study in Wuhan, concerning feral cats, indicated that some cats were on some level exposed to the virus, but did not display any signs of illness. According to Dr. Jonathan Epstein of the environmental health nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance, who said laboratory experiments reported cats were vulnerable to SARS. Though Dr. Calle stated, “There’s no evidence anywhere, other than the initial spillover, that any animal has infected any person anywhere,” he said.

Scientists in multiple labs are investigating animal susceptibility and determine what animals could be used in different laboratory studies. In the same study performed in Wuhan found that cats vulnerable in the lab also detected the virus reproduces poorly in dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks.

The CDC stated that they are working with human and animal partners to monitor the situation to continue with any updates and new information available. More details concerning how COVID-19 affects other animals will need further studies.

The CDC also provided cautionary measures for those infected or suspected to have the virus on how to protect the well-being of their pets as including:

When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.

Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.

If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

The new information regarding the health and safety of animals can be unnerving with an infected. Initial studies in China may be unnerving, but the CDC and other regarded veterinary experts are currently investigating the trials with animals and humans to provide us with more cautionary measures to take that we can all follow. For more information related to COVID-19 and animals from the CDC, click here.

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