COVID-19, the connection with our pets. Can we catch if from them?
The World Health Organization has clarified that COVID-19 is spread through human-to-human transmission.
We already know a lot about other viruses in the coronavirus family and most of these types of viruses have an origin in animals. The virus (also called SARS-CoV-2) is a new virus in humans. The possible animal source of COVID-19 has not yet been confirmed but research is ongoing.
Several dogs and cats (domestic cats and a tiger) in contact with infected humans have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, ferrets appear to be susceptible to the infection. In experimental conditions, both cats and ferrets were able to transmit infection to other animals of the same species, but there is no evidence that these animals can transmit the disease to human and play a role in spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
It is still recommended that people who are sick limit contact with companion and other animals. When handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented.
The current spread is the result of human-to-human transmission. To date, there is no evidence that animals play an epidemiologically relevant role in the spread of human disease. Therefore, there is no justification for taking measures targeting animals, particularly pets that may compromise their welfare.
Please don’t abandon them!
Source: WHO
