COVID-19 Update from ANSES: Wild and Domestic Animals Are Not a Cause for Concern in France

Following an initial report published in April 2020 on the potential transmission of COVID-19 through domestic animals, ANSES reaffirms, in light of new data, that domestic and wild animals play no epidemiological role in the persistence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in France . The virus spreads exclusively through human-to-human transmission via the respiratory route. However, certain specific situations—such as a high concentration of animals susceptible to SARS-CoV-2—call for vigilance to prevent the establishment of an animal reservoir. Which animals are affected?   

Susceptibility and sensitivity not yet established or still to be confirmed: chickens, turkeys, ducks, cattle, pigs

  To date, no natural infections have been identified in chickens, turkeys, or ducks. This information is supported by the fact that no experimental infections have yet shown that these animals can be infected (susceptible) or develop (susceptible). At this time, studies also show that cattle and pigs are not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, but additional data are needed to confirm or rule out their susceptibility to the virus.  

Receptive but susceptibility to be confirmed: Dogs and rabbits

While rabbits and dogs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and can become infected, their susceptibility remains to be confirmed. Despite the thousands of people infected with the virus—with whom dogs are in regular contact—very few dogs have developed clinical signs. Furthermore, testing of dogs that have been in contact with infected humans has not demonstrated transmission between animals, nor from dogs to other species. In rabbits, experimental infections currently suggest the presence of viral lesions, though this remains to be confirmed.  

Established Susceptibility and Receptivity: Cats, Ferrets, Hamsters, Mink

Cats are sentient beings that are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and transmission between individuals of the same species has been confirmed. However, current scientific data do not allow us to conclude that transmission from cats to other species is possible. As with dogs, natural infections in cats occur in situations of high viral load, through close contact with their owners who are infected with COVID-19. Ferrets and hamsters are sentient beings that are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and transmission within the same species has been confirmed. However, at this stage, there is no evidence to suggest transmission from these animals to other species, nor have any natural infections been reported. Mink are a different story. Natural infections have been reported in six countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and the United States, and show that they are susceptible to the virus. Intra-species transmission has been confirmed, and inter-species transmission is presumed. Furthermore, observations seem to indicate that reverse transmission from infected mink to humans is possible. The Agency emphasizes that the occurrence of these cases is likely linked to high viral pressure resulting from high animal population density within these farms. Captive tigers, lions, and pumas are susceptible to the virus. The susceptibility of other, less well-known species, such as the palm civet and the flying fox, has also been assessed by ANSES. The results are detailed in the full opinion.  

Animals Do Not Play an Active Role in the Pandemic

Based on current scientific data, ANSES confirms that domestic and wild animals do not play an epidemiological role in the maintenance and spread of SARS-CoV-2. Only human-to-human transmission enables this spread. However, certain animals are indeed susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and can become infected. The risk that these species could serve as an animal reservoir is therefore not negligible. ANSES therefore recommends being particularly vigilant in situations where humans and these susceptible species (cats, minks) come into contact, especially when the animal population is dense and close contact between animals and humans is frequent, such as in enclosed or confined environments. Strict hygiene measures and vigilance must be observed when in contact with susceptible animals (handwashing and masks), and people infected with SARS-CoV-2 must avoid any close contact with these animals, without compromising animal welfare. Similarly, on livestock farms, where viral load is high, it is necessary to implement adequate safety measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus.