- As of 6/3, current expert understanding is that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted person-to-person. People have spread the virus to certain animals, but this appears to be rare. Currently, there is no evidence that animals incidentally infected in this way spread COVID-19 to people. For these reasons, AVMA, CDC, USDA, AAVLD, NASPHV, and IDEXX DO NOT recommend routine testing for animals for SARS-CoV-2.
- MMWR for First Reported Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Companion Animals (CDC)
- Testing Your Pet for COVID-19 (AVMA)
- SARS-CoV-2 Case Definition (USDA)
- Lab study suggests coronavirus can spread between cats
- Cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 transmitted the virus to other cats in a small lab study, researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, but the cats did not develop clinical signs of illness, and the AVMA cautions that the results don’t mean cats can spread the virus in real-world settings. Moreover, “there is no evidence to suggest that animals, including pets, that may be incidentally infected by humans are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19,” the AVMA says.
- Confirmation of COVID-19 in Two Pet Cats in New York
- IDEXX released information on its new commercially available IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test for animals.
- Client Talking Points for Animal Testing
- Animal COVID-19 Testing FAQ from State Officials (USDA)
- Evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Animals (CDC)
- Testing animals for SARS-CoV-2 (AVMA)
- AAVLD Task Force Interim Guidance for Indication for & Management of COVID-19 Testing of Animals in US & Canada
- Guidance on Heartworm Protocol during COVID-19 (American Heartworm Society)
- Tiger Tests Positive for COVID-19 (USDA)
- Rapid Review of Evidence of Infection of Pets & Livestock and Evidence of their Fomite Potential in regards to Coronavirus Diseases (SYREAF) Note that this article is not yet peer reviewed and is subject to change.
- Memo from GA State Veterinarian on Testing Animals for COVID-19
- Q&A on COVID-19 from World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
- SARS-CoV-2 detected in mink on Dutch farms
- Pug in North Carolina tests positive for coronavirus, may be first for dog in U.S. – Multiple media outlets reported that a pet Pug in North Carolina had positive results of a quantitative PCR (aPCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. It appears the Pug was not evaluated by a veterinarian at that time. Based on the results available from the NVSL, it appears the weak detection of viral RNA by PCR may be the result of contamination from the COVID-19 positive household. Results of tests performed to confirm the presumptive positive result were shared on 5/28 by the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). The NVSL was unable to verify infection in the Pug. No virus was isolated and there was no evidence of an immune response based on a virus neutralization test. This case serves as a good reminder of the importance of following a logical approach to diagnosis in cases of suspected SARS-CoV-2 in animals. A necessary part of the diagnostic workup is consultation with the state public health veterinarian or designated state animal health official.
- Confirmed COVID-19 in NY German Shepherd Dog (USDA)
- Dog in Georgia Tests Positive for Virus that Causes COVID-19 (GDPH)
- Dog in Texas tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Dog in South Carolina confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
- Recommendations for Disaster Sheltering of Household Pets, Service Animals, and Support Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic (CDC)
