The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, “Some coronaviruses that infect animals can be spread to humans and then spread between people, but this is rare. This is what happened with the virus that caused the current outbreak of COVID-19, with the virus likely originating in bats. The first reported infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.”
“At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.”
“Cats, dogs, and a few other types of animals can be infected with SARS-C. Animals infected include, dogs, cats, including a tiger and lion, and recently, minks.There have been reports of animals being infected with the virus worldwide.”
“CDC, USDA, and state public health and animal health officials are working in some states to conduct active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in pets, including cats, dogs, and other small mammals, that had contact with a person with COVID-19. These animals are being tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection and also tested to see whether the pet develops antibodies to this virus. This work is being done to help better understand how common SARS-CoV-2 infection might be in pets as well as the possible role of pets in the spread of this virus.”
“Data from one study suggest some dogs can get infected but might not spread the virus to other dogs as easily compared to cats and ferrets, which can easily spread the virus to other animals of the same species. These findings were based on a small number of animals, and do not show whether animals can spread infection to people. More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19. Of the pets that have gotten sick, most only had mild illness and fully recovered.”
- It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations.
- Treat pets as you would other human family members – do not let pets interact with people outside the household.
- If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets.
- Do not put a mask on pets. Masks could harm your pet.
- Routine testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2 is not recommended.
