Animals and COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It’s one of a family of coronaviruses that are relatively common, but COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus. Some, like COVID-19, cause illness in people. Others affect only animals such as bats and cows, while still others affect only dogs or cats. Some can be transmitted from animals to people or from people to animals.

Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19.

Where did the virus originate?

Because SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, scientists don’t know a lot about it yet. Earlier human coronavirus outbreaks — severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) — started in horseshoe bats and were transmitted to humans through other animals.

Researchers believe SARS-CoV-2 started at a live market in Wuhan, China. However, they are still investigating to find the exact animal and any other animals it may have passed through before infecting a human.

Scientists do know that it passes from human to human through droplets we exhale by breathing, sneezing, or coughing. We now know that people who have the virus but aren’t showing symptoms can still spread the virus to other people.

Can people spread COVID-19 to animals?

It appears that in some situations, the virus can spread from humans to animals. The first report of an animal infected by COVID-19 was a tiger in New York City. A total of seven large cats tested positive for the virus. Scientists believe the cats caught the virus from a zookeeper who had COVID-19, but they are still investigating.

We also know that a small number of cats and dogs have tested positive for the virus after being in close contact with humans who had COVID-19. A few of the pets that tested positive showed no symptoms of infection. At least one lived with a human who had COVID-19. At least one other did not live with a person diagnosed with the virus, but that person may have had COVID-19 and not shown symptoms.

Further research is needed to determine if and how COVID-19 affects animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation and will release updated information as it becomes available.

Can animals spread COVID-19 to people?

Scientists don’t know for sure yet, but there is no evidence at this time that animals can spread it to humans. They currently believe the risk to be low.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that animals can spread COVID-19 to people. At this time, the risk of animals (pets or livestock) spreading COVID-19 is thought to be low.

How can I protect my pets from COVID-19?

Again, the risk appears to be low that pets will contract the virus. Still, to be safe, the CDC recommends that you protect your pets just as you protect yourself. This means:

• Observe social distancing with your pets. Don’t let them get close to other people or animals outside your home.
• Keep cats inside to prevent them from being near other animals or humans.
• Use a leash when you walk your dog, keeping a 6-foot distance from other animals and people.
• Don’t bring your dog to dog parks or other public areas where dogs and people gather.

How do I care for my pets if I have COVID-19?

There are currently no reported cases in the United States of pets having COVID-19. Nevertheless, the CDC recommends taking the following steps to protect pets if you believe you may have the virus:

• Restrict contact with any animals just as you do with humans while you’re sick.
• If you can, ask someone else to care for your pets.
• Avoid contact with your pets. This means no petting, kissing, snuggling, sharing food, or allowing your pet to sleep with you.
• If you must interact with pets or other animals while you’re sick, wear a cloth face covering. Always wash your hands before and after contact with an animal.
• If you have COVID-19 and you believe your pet is sick, don’t take them to the vet. Call the vet instead and tell them that you have COVID-19. They will tell you what to do next. They may offer a telemedicine visit or have other ways to evaluate a sick pet.

Should I take precautions around other animals?

Yes. Although information is limited about animals carrying COVID-19, all animals carry germs that can spread to humans. It’s always a good idea to take the following precautions around any animals.

• Wash your hands after contact with animals or animal supplies, food, or waste.
• Keep good hygienic habits and clean up after your pet.
• As always, call your vet with any questions about your pet’s health.
• Take precautions when you’re around children five years old or younger, adults 65 or older, and anyone with a weakened immune system. These people are at higher risk of illness from germs carried by animals.

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