Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which 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, coughs, talks, sings, or yells. There is also a possibility of spread via objects or surfaces that have been exposed to the virus (called fomites); however, this is not suspected as a main source of infection.

Have any animals tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19?

Dogs have tested positive for the virus; these cases are uncommon and appear to occur after exposure to infected human family members. While a few dogs have shown concurrent illness, possibly due to the COVID-19 virus, most of the infected dogs did not show physical signs of illness.

Domesticated cats have 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 four tigers and three lions with coughs and respiratory problems. Another outbreak in Malayan tigers occurred at Zoo Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mink have been affected by COVID-19, including many mink farms in Europe and several in the United States. The mink became ill with breathing problems, and they appear to be particularly susceptible.

While no pet ferrets or Syrian hamsters have been affected so far, an experimental study showed that both species are susceptible to this virus and can develop respiratory illness.

Other species identified as able to carry the virus include lynx, cougars, mule deer, white-tailed deer, cows, horses, goats, and sheep. These species may not necessarily become ill with the virus or spread it to humans.

What does this all mean? Can pets be infected with COVID-19?

Current information indicates that certain animals can be infected by the COVID-19 virus, including dogs and cats. It is important to remember, however, that pets seldom show signs of severe clinical illness when they become infected with the virus and may not show any signs at all. 

Can other animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus) spread the infection to humans or other animals?

There was evidence of at least two humans becoming infected after exposure to infected mink at farms in the Netherlands. There was also evidence that a similar event happened in Denmark. It is suspected that a human initially infected the mink at the farm, and then the infection spread back to other humans from these infected minks. Currently, this is the only reported incidence of animal to human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. There is also evidence that cats have become infected after exposure to infected mink at farms.

The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to mink and back to humans raised concerns in Denmark. The Danish Ministry of Health’s State Serum Institute (SSI) investigated a strain of SARS-CoV-2 that may have developed during these mink transmission events. More specifically, the SSI is evaluating if the mutations (changes) in this viral strain could affect future vaccines or antibody treatments.

"More infections in living beings translates to more opportunity for changes in the virus, which is a concern."

It is important to note that mutations occur randomly and are not rare events. More infections in living beings translates to more opportunity for changes in the virus, which is a concern. Mink are highly susceptible to the virus and farms are at risk for rapid infection spread due to the minks' proximity to one another. Therefore, the presence of mink farms could complicate efforts to control the spread and treatment of COVID-19.

There is evidence that cats, ferrets, and Syrian hamsters can spread the virus to other animals within their species, but there is no evidence that they can spread the virus to humans. The most common mode of transmission, by far, is human to human spread.

Should I monitor my pet for any signs?

It is uncommon for pets to become ill with COVID-19, but if your pet exhibits signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, fever, abnormally low energy), particularly if your pet has been exposed to someone known to be infected with COVID-19, you should call your veterinarian for guidance and arrange for examination and treatment, if needed. 

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. Keep your cat indoors, if possible, to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people. Walk dogs on a leash, keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals, and avoid dog parks or trails.

Ideally, have another member of your household care for your pets until you are feeling better. Just as you would quarantine yourself from the other human members of your home while sick, you should also quarantine yourself from your pets. Isolate yourself and allow a healthy family member to handle your pet’s meals, walks, playtime, and snuggle time.

If you live alone, you may have no choice but to care for your pets yourself. In this case, limit contact as much as possible. Consider the following steps to reduce the likelihood of spreading infection to your pets:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your pet.
• Wash your hands before handling your pet’s food and water bowls.
• Limit close contact with your pets, such as snuggling and kissing.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissues in a hygienic way where pets cannot access them. Be sure to wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
• Do not share food or sleep with your pet in your bed.
• Wear a mask if possible to decrease droplet spread.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes ill, contact your veterinary clinic for advice and treatment, if needed. Let your veterinarian know you are sick with COVID-19. 

Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?

There are no reports of household pets transmitting COVID-19 to people. Human to pet cases have occurred, but it appears to be uncommon. While scientists are still learning about this virus, they know that the most common mode of transmission, by far, is human to human spread.

Should my pet wear a face mask as a precaution?

No, your pet does not need a face mask. First, it is unlikely a mask will protect your pet from any potential disease transmission. Second, it can cause breathing difficulties, especially in certain breeds of cats and dogs.