Two pet cats in US test positive for Coronavirus

Two pet cats have been found infected with the Coronavirus in New York, the US, which is the first case of Covid-19 infection in domesticated animals in the US. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinarian Services Laboratories (NVSL) said on Wednesday that both cats were living at different locations in New York State.

The two agencies said in a joint statement, “These are the first pets in the US to have confirmed infection.” Agencies said mild breathing problems were seen in both the cats. They are expected to recover fully from his illness. Very few animals around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 infection and most of them came in contact with someone infected with Covid-19. Public health officials are still gathering information about the virus and there is no evidence that humans are at risk of coronavirus transmission through pets.

The statement said, ‘Therefore it would not be appropriate to take steps against animals living in homes with people. This may affect their care. Further studies are needed to understand whether different animals, including pets, can be infected and affected. ‘ The joint statement said that regular screening of animals cannot be suggested at this time. If the infection is confirmed in other animals in the US, the USDA will give its opinion about it.

Agencies said, “State animal health and public health officials will consider whether animals should be screened.” There is a possibility that an infection may have occurred from a less ill or non-infected member living in the house in which the cat lives, or from an infected person outside the home.

The second cat specimen was taken for examination when it noticed complaints of breathing trouble. The infection of Covid-19 has been confirmed to its owner. The second cat living in the same house did not show any signs of illness. The CDC recommends that pets should not be allowed to interact with people outside the home or other animals. It has also been suggested that pet owners should avoid going to parks or public places for a walk.

What WHO said on coronavirus transmission from pets to human

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that there is no evidence of infection of the corona virus ‘Covid 19’ from domesticated animals. In response to a question, WHO’s technical lead, Dr. Maria van Kerkhove, stated that there has been evidence of corona infection from humans to pets, but there is no evidence of infection from pets to human. She said that we are aware of pets getting infected through positive patients. Two dogs in Hong Kong and one cat in Belgium were infected with Corona. A tigress was infected in the New York Zoo recently.