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Although pets do not appear to significantly contribute to the spread of COVID-19 among humans, a dog in Hong Kong was found to have tested positive for the virus earlier this month. Researchers are still investigating the implications of this finding.
The dog in Hong Kong was isolated and is now testing negative, but its earlier positive results suggest it might have had a mild infection. (The dog displayed no symptoms throughout.)
The veterinary college at the University of Illinois has published guidance for dog owners, stating that despite this development, “There is still no evidence that pets can transmit the virus or become ill from it at this stage.”
(By the way, if you’ve heard of canine coronavirus, it’s an entirely separate virus. While there are coronaviruses that affect both humans and animals, causing cold-like symptoms, they are not closely related to the virus responsible for COVID-19.)
What about other animals besides dogs? Currently, it remains uncertain whether this coronavirus can infect species other than humans. Early RNA analysis (genetic material similar to DNA) revealed similarities to coronaviruses found in bats. However, the bat virus might only be a distant relative, and the virus we know today could have passed through other species. If an “animal reservoir” exists, as epidemiologists term it, it has yet to be identified.
What implications does this have for pet owners?
Unless new information emerges, there’s likely no need to alter how you interact with your pets if you’re healthy. According to the CDC:
There is no evidence to suggest that animals, including pets in the United States, could be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. As of now, the CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals contracting COVID-19.
However, if you are unwell, it’s advisable to limit contact with your pets whenever possible. As Scott Weese, a veterinarian specializing in human-animal disease transmission, explained to the Washington Post: “If I’m isolating at home, staying in my basement away from others, but my cat sits on my lap, I cough on it, pet it, and it then goes upstairs, interacts with my child, or goes outside, we might have a potential issue.”
The World Health Organization aligns with the CDC, stating there’s no evidence that pets pose a risk to humans or vice versa, but they also highlight the gaps in our understanding:
Although a dog in Hong Kong was reported to be infected, there is currently no proof that dogs, cats, or any pets can transmit COVID-19. The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. To protect yourself, ensure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
WHO is actively monitoring ongoing research on this and other COVID-19-related topics and will provide updates as new information emerges.
