Since the coronavirus crisis began, some isolated cases documented in animals raised the suspicion (and fear) that animals could also be a source of SARS-CoV-2 contagion. Several studies, like this one, in the prepublication phase, suggest caution due to the source of contagion that animals can suppose. Several cases of positive SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus in animals – two infected domestic cats in Hong Kong; and tigers that tested positive at a New York City zoo – all without severe symptoms – have caused some hysteria and, sadly, have led to the abandonment of thousands of domestic animals. But it should be remembered that the animals we care for are just another part of the family that deserves protection.
Now, what real risk is there that an animal infected by coronavirus could infect a human? On June 1, a complete report prepared by the journal Nature stopped on this issue.
It is known that approximatelya dozen animals are susceptible to this coronavirus.Several species, including cats and dogs, captive lions and tigers, and farm minks contracted the virus from people. “That probably means canids, felines, and mustelids (minks, weasels, badgers, martens, and wolverines) could also be susceptible, but so far, no one has verified this,” in the words of Jürgen Richt, veterinary virologist at the State University of Kansas, forNature.
Therefore, people can transmit the coronavirus to animals, but the reverse?
Up to now,only two cases of animals that have been able to transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus to people have been documented: these are two specimens of mink, a small mammal. Regarding domestic animals, evidence has been found that cat-to-cat transmission is possible only in experimental models; but not so dog-to-dog transmission, as a study published in the journalScienceat the end of May.
Furthermore, the scientific community agrees thatthe chance of contracting the disease from an infected animal is negligible compared to the risk of contracting it from a sick person.While the risk is not zero, the researchers are asking for a large sample of pets, livestock, and wildlife to improve understanding of risk.
According to statements for the information agency Science Media Center by Dr. Natalie Finch, specialist in veterinary medicine and internal medicine of small animals at the University of Bristol: “There are no reports of cats or dogs transmitting viruses to people, even in immunocompromised individuals. However, until more evidence is available, the level of risk is medium ”.
In the opinion of James Wood, head of the department of veterinary medicine and researcher in infection dynamics and disease control at the University of Cambridge: “Compared to the millions of people who have had COVID-19, the number of pets found sick or infected remains small.Our dogs and cats can acquire the coronavirus from their owners, but they only do so on very rare occasions. “
In addition, he adds: “There are more ways in which a dog or a cat that has been in prolonged contact with a COVID-19 patient comes into contact with the virus, such as, for example, it can carry it in its fur; But in my opinion,this scenario is highly unlikelyespecially for dogs, who tend to be less free than cats ”.
Should I take preventive measures with my pet?
For now, there is not enough data to know exactly which species this coronavirus can affect, and if these species, in turn, can spread it to humans. For now, scientists advise caution, but with common sense: there is no reason to abandon the animals, or blame them for the situation.
Given that the data on the risk of animal-human transmission are still uncertain; And taking into account that, even if it were possible, the risk of transmission is very low, much lower than from human to human, experts recommend continuing the relationship with our companion animals naturally. According to the aforementioned Dr. Natalie Finch: “Given the lack of evidence for transmission from pets to humans, it is not recommended to suspend normal contact, such as hugging.”
However, it is worth noting some guidelines to follow with all animals in any circumstance: “The most important is to wash your hands after contact with pets or handle their feces or urine, and avoid pets licking our faces, especially among people vulnerable to the virus, ”advises Dr. Finch.
For his part, Professor James Wood adds: “ There is no reason for vulnerable people to stop hugging their dog or cat. All of us must maintain good hygiene standards with our pets and wash our hands frequently to avoid the minimum risk of contamination ”.
