Please read the previous coronavirus blogs from the past few weeks for additional information.
We have been discussing the 2 quarantined dogs in China where 1 dog tested “weak positive” multiple times. That dog was released after a 2 week quarantine and after testing negative for SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, the dog has passed away. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is reassuring pet owners there is…
“no evidence that COVID-19 can be contracted from pets.”The dog never should any signs relating to COVID-19 and had a number of underlying health issues. It is believed that the dog passed away from significant heart and kidney disease, NOT COVID-19. WSAVA stresses that there is no evidence the dog contracted COVID-19. WSAVA also highlights the fact that there is no evidence the dog could have passed the virus to another human or animal.
“While there is still much we don’t know about COVID19, we do know that the Pomeranian dog did not die from the virus, and the second dog is also showing no signs, either of the disease or of being able to transmit it to other pets or people. The current evidence still strongly indicates that COVID-19 cannot be contracted from pets. – WSAVA”There is currently no COVID-19 test for animals. IDEXX, a national veterinary reference laboratory, has tested thousands of cat and dog samples while testing a new SARS-CoV-2 veterinary test system. To date, they have found no positive results.
The veterinary community still recommends taking some precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are not ill with COVID-19, you may continue normal activities with your cat (i.e. playing, feeding). You should continue to practice common sense hygiene during these activities. Recommendations include (1) washing your hands before and after interacting with your cat, (2) washing food and water dishes with soap and water often and (3) washing your cat’s bedding and toys regularly.
If you are ill with COVID-19, experts recommend limiting or avoiding contact with your cat until we learn more about the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Another member of your household should primary be involved in feeding and playing with your cat.
Experts want to stress that there is no evidence cats can become ill with COVID-19 nor can they transmit COVID-19 to other animals, including people.
