Please read the coronavirus blog from last week for basic information.

Last week we discussed the fact that a dog tested “weak positive” for coronavirus last month. The same dog has continued to test “weak positive” for the SARS-CoV-2 virus three separate times. Experts think that this dog does have a low level viral infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Experts speculate that this may indicate a human-to-animal infection and are not on record yet that this has definitely occurred.

A second dog is in quarantine and currently negative for the coronavirus. Neither dog is showing signs of COVID-19. Experts stress…

“there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets can spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people.”

At this time, it is unclear if pets can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is recommended to perform common sense practices such as washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. If you have COVID-19, limit contact with animals and avoid direct contact (i.e. kissing, hugging, sharing food). Even though it is thought that SARS-CoV-2 originated from bats, it is currently thought that animals cannot transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans and animals cannot become infected with SARS-CoV-2.
There is currently no SARS-CoV-2 testing available for animals in the U.S.

For more information, visit the CDC website, World Health Organization website, World Organisation For Animal Health website or the American Association for Veterinary Medicine website.