Understanding COVID-19 Transmission in Pets and Animal Settings
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has affected not only humans but also a variety of animals. Although much of the attention is focused on human-to-human transmission, it's essential to understand how the virus interacts with pets and other animals in household and farm settings.
What Is SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 is part of a larger family of viruses known as
coronaviruses. Some of these viruses infect only animals, others only humans, and a few can cross the species barrier. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the latter category, with documented cases of transmission from humans to animals.
Animals That Can Be Infected
Documented cases have shown that the following companion animals can contract SARS-CoV-2:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Ferrets
- Hamsters
These animals typically get infected through
close and prolonged contact with an infected human.
Clinical Signs in Infected Pets
Most pets infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit either no symptoms or mild ones. Commonly observed signs include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe illness is
extremely rare, and most affected pets recover at home with basic care.
How Common Is Infection in Pets?
Household studies show a significant seropositivity rate:
- Up to 41% of dogs
- Up to 52% of cats
However, active infection measured by PCR testing is much lower, generally below 10%.
Risk of Animal-to-Human Transmission
Currently, the risk of transmission from pets to people is considered
very low. There is no evidence suggesting the virus can spread through the fur, skin, or hair of pets. Rare cases, such as outbreaks in mink farms and one involving pet hamsters, have been documented but remain exceptional.
Main Risk Factors for Pet Infection
Certain behaviors increase the risk of pets becoming infected, including:
- Sleeping on the owner's bed
- Kissing or licking the owner's face or hands
- Daily close contact with an infected person
Pets with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or asthma may also be more vulnerable.
Preventive Measures for Pet Owners
Pet owners diagnosed with COVID-19 should follow these steps:
- Limit contact with pets
- Wear a face mask
- Wash hands before and after handling animals
- Assign another household member to care for pets if possible
What to Do If Your Pet Develops Symptoms
If your pet shows signs of illness:
- Contact your veterinarian before visiting the clinic
- Utilize telemedicine if available
- Proceed with testing only upon veterinary recommendation
Isolation Guidelines for Infected Pets
If a pet tests positive:
- Keep the animal indoors
- Monitor their symptoms
- End isolation after 72 hours of being symptom-free and 14 days since the positive test
Important note: Never use human disinfectants or face masks on pets.
Differences in Infection Rates by Setting
Research indicates lower rates of infection in pets from communal settings like shelters and spay/neuter clinics compared to those in direct contact with COVID-19 positive people:
- 16% antibody rate among spay/neuter clinic cats
- 9% antibody rate in shelter cats
Infection in Exotic and Farmed Animals
Beyond domestic pets, the virus has been found in:
- Big cats in zoos
- Gorillas
- Mink on farms (notably with human-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission)
Transmission among these animals has led to localized outbreaks and even culling operations.
Conclusion
Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 affects animals helps us take necessary precautions. Most pets that contract the virus do so through close human contact but experience only mild symptoms. Serious illness and transmission from pets to humans are rare. Pet owners should focus on good hygiene and limit interaction when infected. Always consult a veterinarian for the best guidance.
