Two pet cats in New York State were diagnosed with mild Covid-19 respiratory symptoms caused by the new coronavirus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on April 22.
This is the first time in the United States that a positive test for a new coronavirus has been detected in a pet. However, the health of the two pet cats from different parts of the state is intact and is expected to recover soon.
On Wednesday, CDC released the report in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), along with reports of pets in other parts of the world who tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Both cats were diagnosed with mild respiratory disease. After showing signs of viral infection, the first cat was taken to a veterinarian for testing. Fortunately, none of the households they have been in contact with have been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Samples from the second cat were taken after it showed signs of respiratory illness. The owner of the cat tested positive for Covid-19 prior to the cat showing signs. Another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness.
Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States.
The veterinary laboratory quickly reported two cases to state-level and federal officials, prompting NVSL to conduct confirmation tests again.
According to CDC data, there is currently no evidence that pets are spreading the new coronavirus in the United States. Even so, health agencies advise residents to maintain social alienation while keeping pets indoors as much as possible.
