Can pets transmit coronavirus?

According to the US Department of Agriculture and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been a few cases worldwide where animals in all probability got the virus from humans.

Hyderabad: Are pets spreading the virus to people or it's the other way round? It's no million dollar question. Compelling cases have shown that it's the pets that get affected by human virus. According to the US Department of Agriculture and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been a few cases worldwide where animals in all probability got the virus from humans.

In the recent past, a 4-year-old tiger tested positive at New York City's Bronx Zoo and officials suspect a zookeeper with the virus got the feline sick. Soon several other lions and tigers have also tested positive at the zoo.

In a related case, two house cats in different homes in New York have also contracted the virus, apparently from their owners or someone in the neighborhood.

More research is needed to determine how the coronavirus affects animals. The USDA does not recommend routine testing for pets.

If you're sick, avoid your furry companions — just like you would with people. If you’re the sole caretaker for an animal, it’s best to wash your hands before and after interacting with them.