CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that has not previously been identified in humans. This virus is not the same coronavirus that can cause the common cold in humans, nor is it the same as canine coronavirus (CCoV).
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses characterized by crown-like spikes on their surface as seen under the microscope. There are many viruses in this family that cause various types of diseases, such as diarrhea and upper respiratory infections.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
Current evidence suggests that person-to-person spread is the main source of infection. This occurs through respiratory droplets created when an infected person sneezes or coughs. There is also a possibility of spread via objects or surfaces that have been exposed to the virus; however, this is not suspected as a main source of infection.
HAVE ANY ANIMALS TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19?
As of April 30, 2020, there have been several cases of animals testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Dogs have tested positive for the virus. There has been only one case of a dog showing respiratory signs; however, it is difficult to confirm if the respiratory signs were directly related to COVID-19. The dogs that have tested positive were exposed to humans that had COVID-19.
Domesticated cats have also tested positive for the virus. Some of the cats became ill with respiratory and breathing problems, and one cat also exhibited vomiting and diarrhea. Almost all the positive cats had known exposure to humans with COVID-19.
Large cats, particularly tigers and lions, have also been affected by the virus. An outbreak at the Bronx Zoo in New York State, likely due to an infected zookeeper, resulted in 4 tigers and 3 lions with coughs and respiratory problems.
Mink have also been affected by COVID-19. Two farms in the Netherlands had an outbreak, with mink becoming ill with breathing problems.
While no pet ferrets have been affected so far, an experimental study showed they are susceptible to this virus and can develop respiratory illness.
At this time (April 30, 2020), no other domesticated animals have become ill or shown signs of being ill with this virus. However, interaction with any species should be avoided if you are ill or suspect you are ill with COVID-19.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN? CAN PETS BE INFECTED WITH COVID-19?
All of the information to date (as of April 30, 2020) indicates that certain animals can be infected by the COVID-19 virus, but it appears to be an infrequent occurrence. In Hong Kong, at least 30 dogs and 17 cats have been tested from homes with owners that were either confirmed COVID-19 cases or were close contacts to a COVID-19 patient, and only two dogs and 1 cat have tested positive. In total, across the globe, only 2 dogs and 4 cats have tested positive. Keep in mind that to date, there are over three million human cases of COVID-19 and only a few pets have tested positive and only three of those positive pets have exhibited signs and become ill.
It is important to understand that evidence of infection is not evidence of animals being able to spread the virus to humans. The situation is evolving and is being monitored by animal health experts around the world.
SHOULD I MONITOR MY PET FOR ANY SIGNS?
Because it is rare that pets can become ill with COVID-19, there are no specific recommendations. However, there is still much to learn about this new virus, and vigilance is key. If your pet exhibits signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, fever, abnormally low energy, etc.), particularly if your pet has been exposed to someone known to be infected with COVID-19, call your veterinarian for guidance and to arrange for testing, treatment, etc. Special protocols are in place at veterinary clinics, including physical distancing to protect everyone from spread of the disease.
IF I GET SICK, IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO CARE FOR MY PETS?
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, public health officials recommend you restrict contact with pets and other animals as a precaution until more information is known about the virus. Keep your cat indoors if possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people. If possible, have another member of your household care for your pet while you are sick. Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals, and avoid dog parks or trails.
If you must provide care for your pet yourself, follow the recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after any interaction with your pets; after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or touching for your face
- avoid close contact with your pet (snuggling, kissing, or sleeping with your pet) and do not share food or sleep with your pet in your bed
- wear a mask—even a cloth mask—to help decrease droplet spread when coughing or sneezing
- clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes ill, do not take your pet to your veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know are you sick with COVID-19. Some clinics are offering telemedicine or have other contingency plans in place for seeing sick pets from COVID-19 positive households. See handout "Caring for Your Pets if You Have COVID-19" for more information.
Based on recommendations from the CDC, if you are not ill with COVID-19, you should follow these basic guidelines:
- as a precaution, do not allow your pets to interact with animals or people outside the household.
- keep cats indoors when possible.
- walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
- avoid gathering at parks or other public places with other people and pets.
- adhere to local regulations regarding park and trail closures.
CAN I GET COVID-19 FROM MY PET?
As the number of reports of animals becoming infected by COVID-19 increase, concern about getting COVID-19 from them also rises. While human to pet cases have occurred, it appears to be very rare. There are no reports of pets transmitting COVID-19 to people. While scientists are still learning about this this virus, they do know that COVID-19 is spread almost exclusively person to person.
SHOULD MY PET WEAR A FACE MASK AS A PRECAUTION?
No. First, it is unlikely that this will protect your pet from any potential disease transmission. Second, it can cause breathing difficulties, especially in certain breeds of cats and dogs. Third, masks must be saved for use in people with active signs of infection and medical professionals.
IS THERE A VACCINE?
Currently, a vaccine for this new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is not available. There is a vaccine for the canine coronavirus (CCoV), however, this vaccine does not work to protect you or your pet from COVID-19.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Raina Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH
© Copyright 2020 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.