COVID-19 and Animals | CDC
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause colds in people, while others cause illness in certain animal species such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, like canine and cat coronaviruses, only infect animals, not people.
Risk of animals transmitting the virus that causes COVID-19 to humans
Some coronaviruses that infect animals can be transmitted to humans and then transmitted between humans. However, this is rare. It did so with the virus that caused the current COVID-19 outbreak, with the virus likely originating from bats. The first infections reported were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.
The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person through droplets of breath produced by coughing, sneezing, and speaking. Recent studies show that people who are infected but have no symptoms are also likely to play a role in the spread of COVID-19. There is currently no evidence that animals play an important role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Due to the limited information available so far, the risk of animals transmitting COVID-19 to humans is classified as low. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
Risk of humans spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 in animals
The first U.S. case of an animal test positive for COVID-19 was a tiger in a New York zoo.
We are still learning about this virus, but it seems that it can spread from humans to animals in some situations, especially after close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
For information about protecting pets from possible SARS-CoV-2 infection, see If You Have Pets.
Animals that can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
We know that cats, dogs, and some other animal species can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but we don't yet know all of the animals that can be infected. It has been reported that animals worldwide are infected with the virus.
- Small numbers of cats and dogs have been reported to be infected with the virus in several countries, including the United States. Most of these pets became sick after contact with people with COVID-19.
- Several lions and tigersexternal symbol Tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a New York zoo after showing signs of respiratory disease. Public health officials believe these big cats got sick after being exposed to a zoo worker who was infected with SARS-CoV-2. All of these big cats have made a full recovery.
- SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in mink (which are closely related to ferrets) on several holdings in the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain and the United Statesexternal symbol.
- SARS-CoV-2 infection in mink farms was characterized by respiratory diseases and an increased mortality rate.
- Since some workers on these farms had symptoms of COVID-19, it is likely that infected farm workers were the source of the mink infections.
- There is currently no evidence that animals play an important role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to humans. However, reports from infected mink farms in the Netherlands suggest that in these environments there is a possibility of SARS-CoV-2 spreading from mink to humans.
- In addition, some farm cats and dogs on mink farms in Europe have also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting they may have been exposed to the virus.
CDC, USDA, and state health and animal health officials are working in some states to actively monitor SARS-CoV-2 in pets, including cats, dogs, and other small mammals who have had contact with someone with COVID-19. These animals are tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection and also tested to see whether the pet develops antibodies to this virus. This work is intended to help us better understand how common SARS-CoV-2 infection is in pets and what role pets can play in the spread of this virus.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a listexternal symbol of all animals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections in the United States.
Animal research and COVID-19
Research on SARS-Cov-2 in animals is limited, but studies are being conducted to learn more about how this virus can affect various animals.
- Recent research shows that ferrets, cats and Syrian golden hamsters can be experimentally infected with the virus and can spread the infection to other animals of the same species in laboratory settings.
- A number of studies have examined non-human primates as models for human infections. Rhesus monkeys, cynomolgus monkeys, grivets, and common marmosets can infect SARS-CoV-2 and get sick in a laboratory setting.
- Mice, pigs, chickens, and ducks do not appear to become infected or spread the infection based on the results of these studies.
- Data from one study suggests that some dogs can become infected, but may not be able to transmit the virus to other dogs as easily as cats and ferrets, making it easy for the virus to be transmitted to other animals of the same species
These results were based on a small number of animals and do not indicate whether animals can transmit infections to humans. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
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