first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in US companion animals

Updated: April 24th, 2020

In alignment with the official statement issued by the maker of products including Lysol, under no circumstances should disinfectant products be administered into the human body or into the bodies of animals, including your pets. 

April 23rd, 2020

Last night, the US CDC and USDA announced the first confirmed US cases in companion animals of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Two pet cats from separate households had mild respiratory illness, presumably other more common causes of illness were ruled out, and both tested positive for the virus at the USDA international reference laboratory NVSL. Both cats are expected to make a full recovery. The owner of one cat tested positive for the COVID-19 virus before the cat developed clinical signs. No one tested positive in the other cat’s household, but it is suspected that the virus may have been transmitted to the cat by an asymptomatic or mildly ill household member or through contact with an infected person outside its home.

This does not change the fact that the predominant route of transmission of COVID-19 is human to human. At this time there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading this disease. There is a low risk of pets becoming sick from infected humans – but there have still only been a handful of confirmed companion animal cases despite millions of human cases. The CDC recommendations remain the same:

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspect or confirmed with a test):

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

Remain calm, but vigilant in your hygiene and social distancing from other people and their pets. Treat your pets as you would any other member of your household – with love and concern for their health. And realize that we will get through this – apart physically, but together in spirit. 

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Press Release: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/sa-2020/sars-cov-2-animals

USDA chart of confirmed positive animal cases in the United States: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/SA_One_Health/sars-cov-2-animals-us

World Organisation for Animal Health: https://www.oie.int/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus/

American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/sars-cov-2-animals-including-pets