COVID-19 Tests for Cats and Dogs

Although for the time being the

The number of pets diagnosed with COVID-19 is incomparably Although this number is small compared to the total number of infected people, experts have developed specific tests for cats and dogs, if necessary. However, the USDA cautions against the widespread use of these tests.

Following the detection of a few—still very rare—cases of COVID-19 in pets, there is an urgent need to better understand the presence and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in cat and dog populations. Veterinarians have therefore developed species-specific diagnostic tests for COVID-19.

Although human trials work in animals,

Their numbers are limited. In fact, dogs and cats share cellular receptors with humans that allow the virus to bind to and infect cells. Thus, in 2003, during the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)—a coronavirus related to SARS-CoV-2—scientists demonstrated that cats could become infected become infected with the virus and transmit it to other cats.

As a preventive measure, several laboratories have therefore developed a SARS-CoV-2 test for pets at the request of local and federal animal health agencies. The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) offers a solution similar to the human test, using PCR to amplify viral RNA. Approved by the WHO, WADDL could immediately have the capacity to test up to 100 animals per day, should the need arise.

IDEXX Laboratories, a global network of more than 80 diagnostic laboratories, also announced a SARS-CoV-2 test for animals in mid-March. The company has analyzed more than 4,000 samples from dogs, cats, and horses. To date, all results have come back negative for COVID-19, but authorities are warning against routine use of the test.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) even advises against their use. And for good reason: many experts are concerned about the impact that a positive test result could have on animal welfare, especially as long as intra-species transmission has not been established. Misinformation could lead to unwarranted fear and the mass abandonment of pets, as was already the case at the start of the pandemic.

Before testing for pets becomes widespread, we must first understand the implications of having a positive animal in a household and the danger it poses. We must first identify the risks of disease transmission to humans and other animals, and in such cases, assess whether isolation is necessary. Without answers to these questions, widespread testing would only cause anxiety and have harmful consequences. It is therefore imperative to understand the impact of a positive test result and of the disease itself in animals.

For now, the USDA therefore recommends that testing of pets be conducted only if animal health and public health officials agree that it is necessary, particularly due to a link to a human case of COVID-19.

In the meantime, the CDC continues to emphasize that dogs and cats pose little risk to humans. Based on current knowledge, there is no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19, and there is no reason to believe they could be a source of infection. And indeed, if pets could easily catch COVID-19, we would already be seeing thousands of cases by now. However, no spike in respiratory infections among cats and dogs has been identified.

However, as a precautionary measure, it is recommended to treat pets the same way as humans and to isolate them. If a human is diagnosed with the disease, it is important to also keep your distance from pets in the household and take the necessary preventive measures.

https://vetitude.fr/covid19-chats-furets-risques/