17 Nov COVID-19 FAQs: SARS-CoV-2 in animals
On April 22, the CDC announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in two pet cats in New York. Since that time, animals from almost every state in the U.S. have been tested for SARS-CoV-2, according to the CDC.
- What is SARS-CoV-2?
- SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Human patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. While much is currently unknown about this organism, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2.
- Can pets transmit coronavirus to people?
- At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2.
- Can people transmit coronavirus to pets?
- We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals.
- What kinds of signs have SARS-CoV-2-positive pets had?
- According to recent studies, 57% of pets do not show clinical signs of illness; of the pets that have displayed signs of illness, the illness has been mild. Common clinical signs include respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and ocular discharge. Other non-specific signs include fever, lethargy, and inappetence; gastrointestinal signs include vomiting and diarrhea.
- What do I do if I suspect a patient might have SARS-CoV-2?
- Routine testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2 is not recommended and should only be considered under limited circumstances. Veterinarians are strongly encouraged to rule out other, more common causes of illness before considering SARS-CoV-2 testing in animals. Veterinarians who are interested in requesting SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing in Colorado should contact CDPHE at 303-692-2700. SARS-CoV-2 testing for animals must be submitted by a licensed veterinarian who is responsible for the animal’s care.
- How are decisions being made on whether to approve testing?
- The decision on whether to approve testing will be made collaboratively between the State Veterinarian, the State Public Health Veterinarian, and the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge in conjunction with the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Animal testing for SARS-CoV-2 will only be approved if all officials agree it is necessary to protect the health of vulnerable human or animal populations. Please see the CDC Criteria to Guide Evaluation and Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Animals. Testing animals for SARS-CoV-2 is not generally recommended and should only be considered under limited circumstances, for the following reasons:
- The COVID-19 pandemic is being spread by person-to-person transmission. While limited evidence indicates that domestic animals can be infected, currently there is no evidence that shows domestic animals can spread SARS-CoV-2 to humans. A positive test in a domestic animal therefore has limited public health significance.
- Since no specific treatment exists for SARS-CoV-2 in animals, testing an animal would generally not change its treatment.
- The decision on whether to approve testing will be made collaboratively between the State Veterinarian, the State Public Health Veterinarian, and the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge in conjunction with the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Animal testing for SARS-CoV-2 will only be approved if all officials agree it is necessary to protect the health of vulnerable human or animal populations. Please see the CDC Criteria to Guide Evaluation and Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Animals. Testing animals for SARS-CoV-2 is not generally recommended and should only be considered under limited circumstances, for the following reasons:
- Where will the testing be completed?
- SARS-CoV-2 is considered a foreign animal disease (FAD) and is reportable to the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Testing for suspected SARS-CoV-2 should be submitted to a laboratory within the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). In Colorado, CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins is the NAHLN laboratory approved to run SARS-CoV-2 testing. Any positive samples reported from the testing laboratory will be confirmed through additional testing by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). Please see the USDA FAQ on Animal Testing for SARS-CoV-2 for information on sample collection, handling, and submission.
- Who will pay for SARS-CoV-2 testing?
- The animal’s owner will incur the financial costs associated with specimen collection, shipping, and testing.
- My client has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19. What should I tell him/her to do if the pet does not qualify for testing?
- People sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, another member of the household should care for the pet. The infected person should avoid contact with the pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If an infected person must care for the pet while sick, he/she should wash their hands before and after interacting with animals.
- Should pets be removed from homes of people who have COVID-19?
- No. There is no reason to remove pets from homes where COVID-19 has been identified in members of the household, unless there is risk that the pet itself is not able to be cared for appropriately. In this emergency, pets and people each need the support of the other and veterinarians are there to support the good health of both.
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