Two Cats From Different Breeds – Found To Have Covid-19 As Part Of U.K Screening Program

“Of late, there was nothing like the virus effecting animals, Its just to the humans it created a deep loss.”

If you are someone believing the above stated sentence, I must say you are wrong.

There have been numerous cats that have tested positive for Covid-19 around the world, in countries like U.S., Hong Kong and France. And all these were believed to be affected by their owners, who themselves tested positive. Not only cats, but also other animals—including mink, dogs, gorillas and tigers—have also been known to be infected with the virus.

Pets Act As Potential Reservoirs For Covid-19

Researchers from the University of Glasgow in Scotland have warned that pets could act as a potential reservoir for Covid-19 after identifying two cases where cats are believed to have contracted the virus from their owners, one of which died, underscoring the need for scientists to improve their understanding of whether pets play a role in infecting humans.   

Under the U.S. screening program, two cats, which were different breeds and from separate households, were found to have Covid-19 and are believed to have contracted the virus from their owners.  

One of them displayed mild symptoms before recovering but the other, a four-month-old Ragdoll, developed breathing difficulties and was euthanized, the scientists wrote in the study published in the Veterinary Record. 

Pets As Transmitters – An Yes Or A No?

Up late, there is no evidence that cats or other domestic animals can transmit the virus to humans or play a significant role in spreading the disease among humans, the scientists admit. However, the scientists said domestic animals may possibly act as a “viral reservoir” and lead author Professor Margaret Hosie said it will be “important to monitor” different modes of transmission to better understand the risks. 

If you are sick with Covid-19 stay away from other animals. Have someone else take care of your dog, cat, or hedgehog. Don’t cuddle, pet, snuggle, share noodles, or canoodle with other animals. Wear a face mask and wash your hands thoroughly if you are going to be anywhere near other animals. Zooming with other animals is OK as long as you are not in the same room and you are fine with being put on mute frequently by them.

How To Protect Them Virus?

 It is suggested to owners to treat pets “as you would other human family members” during the pandemic, not letting them interact with you or people from outside the household and including them in isolation measures should somebody in the household be sick. If you must care for a pet while sick, the agency recommends wearing a mask and careful handwashing. Masks should not be put on pets, the agency warns, as this could harm them.    

If you are going to take your pet to the veterinary for any reason, don’t skip to make sure that the veterinarian’s office practices good Covid-19 coronavirus precautions. Call them in advance and check their procedures.

Oh, at this point, the available Covid-19 vaccines are specifically for humans.

Do not dress up your pets to look like people so that they can get the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. 

Share

Leave a Reply