COVID-19: Human transmission of virus to pets

This editorial shows that animals can be infected with the virus transmitted from humans. Studies show that animals like cats, monkeys, and ferrets can be possible victims. So, necessary caution must be taken while going near to them.

Hyderabad: The world was rocked by the news that a tiger named Nadia in New York’s zoo was tested positive for COVID-19. Two tigers and three African lions are believed to have been infected by the virus in the same zoo. Keeping this aside, scientists said that there is no evidence of transmission from pet animals.

Even in one or two cases recorded among cats and dogs, the virus was transmitted from humans.

A cat parent was tested positive in Belgium. The nCoV was later detected in the cat’s feces. The pet cat suffered from vomiting and breathing difficulties. The virus is believed to have been transmitted from the owner to her cat.

According to the details given by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservative Department, a German Shepherd, and a stray dog were infected with the novel coronavirus.

A species of monkey called Rhesus Macaque was injected with coronavirus to understand its impact on animals.

The monkey lost weight. Researchers observed that the virus has spread to the monkey’s nose, throat, lungs, and stomach. In addition, the monkey has also been diagnosed with acute pneumonia.

This research was done to identify which animals could act as hosts of the virus.

The WHO website stated that the novel coronavirus is not transmitted from pet dogs. After a dog in Hong Kong got infected, the website withdrew its statement. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that there is no evidence that animals can spread the virus.

Uma Ramakrishnan, Associate Professor and Bengaluru’s National Center for Biological Sciences said that there are not enough studies to understand if pets can contract the infection from their owners.

If you are a pet owner and you are sick, please delegate the responsibility to someone else in the family.

Do not fondle, kiss or hug them when you are ill. Please wash your hands before and after you touch and/or feed them. Studies show that dogs and pigs cannot contract the virus. But other animals like cats, monkeys, and ferrets can be possible victims. So, necessary caution must be exercised when you go near them.