Are Cats and Dogs at Risk of Contracting the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?
According the the World Health Organization there is no evidence companion animals or pets, such as cats and dogs, can spread the virus COVID-19.
Experts have not expressed concern about transmission to or from animals. Multiple international and domestic health organization have indicated that pets and other domestic animals are not considered at risk for contracting or spreading COVID-19.
While the virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading person-person. There is no reason to think any animals including North America might be a source of infection with this new Coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received and reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.
Further, there is no evidence cats or dogs can be a source of COVID-19 infection to people.
Preventative Measures
-Keep pets away from people infected with COVID-19
-Confine pets of infected people to limit possibility of spread, as it’s not yet known whether pets may be nonclinical carriers of disease.
-Follow GOOD HYGIENE protocol at all times, especially hand washing before and after interacting with pets.
-Those diagnosed with COVID-19 should avoid close interaction with pets including petting, snuggling etc. If needed a designated person should be chosen to care for the pets to limit risks.
-Walk pets on leash and limit contact with new animals
-Routinely clean and disinfect animal contact surfaces – bowls, kennels, etc
-Have pets examined by your veterinarian if you have concerns in regard to sickness.
Please remember: Signs of illness in dogs and cats can be associated with various viral and bacterial infections (eg. kennel cough and canine flu) that are not transmitted to people.
Again no. There is currently no evidence that household pets like cats and dogs are involved in transmitting Coronavirus to humans.
