COVID-19: IS MY PET SAFE?
The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) spreads through respiratory droplets, according to health experts. Cats are susceptible to the virus, dogs not so much. And while there are media reports of a couple of infected pets, there is no scientific evidence to s
Infection: Case studies
Cat, Belgium
A pet cat in Belgium reportedly got infected through his keeper, who was also Covid -19 positive. Researchers found the virus in the cat’s faeces. It kept vomiting and had breathing difficulties, reports say Dogs, Hong Kong
Some media reports have suggested that dogs can be infected. In Hong Kong, a German Shepherd and a mixed breed dog from the same neighbourhood tested positive, according to Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Animal studies
Rhesus Macaques, which were
infected for a study, showed weight loss, viral replication in nose, pharynx, lung and gut. Some also developed interstitial pneumonia (severe lung disease)
The efficacy of new drugs and vaccines is
tested on animal models
Improves understanding on which animals are potential reservoirs of the virus
Why we don’t need to worry
“These studies show that the virus does replicate in them. But we can't say yet whether they can transmit the infection to humans because the density of cats is not as high as humans. Also, they have been infected during an experiment. We don't know if they can get infected naturally” UMA RAMAKRISHNAN, Associate Professor, Senior Fellow, Wellcome Trust, National Centre for Biological Sciences
What does WHO say?
While there has been an instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit Covid-19. Covid-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly