The US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has just released two cases of coronavirus in domestic cats. These are the first two positives in pets in the United States.
The affected cats live in two different areas of New York State and both suffered from mild respiratory illness. They are expected to recover soon.
During the pandemic, there have been several cases of animals infected with coronavirus around the world. Most of them had been in close contact with an infected person.
In the cases that concern us, the first of the felines was analyzed by a veterinarian after showing mild respiratory signs. However, no one in the house confirmed to be ill. What is believed is that someone slightly ill or even asymptomatic in the house infected the animal or an external person with the disease. Come on, it was a human being that infected the cat.
In the second of the coronavirus-infected cats, samples were taken after showing signs of respiratory disease. The owner had already tested positive for coronavirus before the pet showed the signs . A second cat lives in this house and has so far shown no signs of illness.
The two infected animals tested presumptive positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a private veterinary laboratory, who reported the results to state and federal officials. The tests that confirmed the contagion were carried out in the NVSL (National Veterinary Services Laboratories) with additional samples. The NVSLs serve as an international reference laboratory providing expertise and guidance in diagnostic techniques, as well as confirmatory tests for foreign and emerging animal diseases. The latter are mandatory in the United States for certain animal pathologies.
The CDC emphasizes that there is currently no evidence that pets play any role in the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. Therefore, any measure against companion animals that could put their well-being at risk is not justified . More studies are needed to understand how different animals, including pets, could be affected by the coronavirus. The US health authorities do not recommend, at the moment, to do the test.
Recommendations
Until more is known, the CDC gives these recommendations:
– Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the home .
– Keep cats indoors to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
– Take the dog out on a leash, keeping a distance of at least two meters from other animals and people.
– Avoid dog parks or public spaces where large numbers of people and dogs gather.
What if I have COVID-19?
– If you are sick with COVID-19 (either because it is suspected or because it has been confirmed with a test), restrict contact with the pet , as you would with a person.
– If possible, it is preferable that someone else in the house takes care of the pet .
– Avoid contact with the pet. This includes petting him, snuggling with him, letting him lick you, and sharing food or bedding.
– If you must take care of your pet or other animals yourself, use a cloth mask and wash your hands before and after interacting with them .
