Hyderabad: With Nadia - a four-year-old Malayan tiger - recently being diagnosed positive for COVID-19 at the Bronx Zoo in New York, the focus is now slowly shifting from humans to animals as potential hosts of the deadly virus.
Nadia, along with six other big cats, is thought to have been infected by an asymptomatic zookeeper.
Nadia’s is believed to be the first known case of infection in an animal in the US, but it is not an isolated one.
There have been other instances of pets testing positive for the coronavirus elsewhere in the world.
Human to animal transmission
As per the OIE-World Organisation for Animal Health, now that COVID-19 virus infections are widely distributed in the human population there is a possibility for some animals to become infected through close contact with infected humans.
One such incident was that of a 17-year-old Pomeranian from Hong Kong, who contracted a "low-level" COVID-19 infection from its owner and later died.
In another case, a pet cat in Belgium reportedly got infected by his keeper, who was a COVID-19 positive patient. The cat kept vomiting and had breathing difficulties.
Presently, various studies are being conducted to understand the susceptibility of different animal species to the COVID-19 virus.
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Experts, however, have stressed that there is no evidence that animals infected by humans can spread the disease further.
In its report, OIE-World Organisation for Animal Health said, “Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that animals infected by humans are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19. Human outbreaks are driven by person to person contact.”
Popular pets susceptible to the virus
As per a study by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Rhesus Macaques can get infected by the virus.
While multiple studies suggest that ferrets and cats are susceptible to Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), another study quoted by DW suggests that cats can quickly develop antibodies.
Although dogs are not as susceptible as cats to the virus, they can get infected.
So far as ducks, chickens and pigs are concerned, they are not susceptible to the disease, according to a study from China.
Are animals responsible for COVID-19 in people?
As per OIE-World Organisation for Animal Health, the predominant route of transmission of COVID-19 is from human to human.
Current evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus emerged from an animal source. Investigations are underway to find that source and establish the potential role of an animal reservoir in this disease. However, to date, there is not enough scientific evidence to identify the source or to explain the original route of transmission from an animal source to humans.
Genetic sequence data reveals that the COVID-19 virus is a close relative of other CoV found circulating in Rhinolophus bat (Horseshoe Bat) populations. There is the possibility that transmission to humans involved an intermediate host.
How to protect your pets?
An infected person must restrict contact with pets and other animals.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.
Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
