PETport endeavors keeping you informed with all your pet industry news relating to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping yourself and your family and furkids, safe and protected is crucial for everyone overcoming this current worldwide pandemic.
Today the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the CDC, USDA and NVSL (Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Labs) announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in 2 pet cats. The first pets in the U.S to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. What is important to note is that with statistics nearing 2.8 million cases around the world, these are the first confirmed and accepted positive testing of pets around the world in the past 5 months. 2 pet dogs that tested positive in Asia in mid March, the results were not conclusive.
How was this discovered?
- Both cats were tested at a private veterinary laboratory.
- Both cats were confirmed positive by the National Veterinary Labs (NVSL) after testing of additional samples.
- The two cats lived in separate areas of New York State.
- Both cases had mild respiratory illness and expected to make a full recovery.
- One of the cat’s household had no cases of COVID-19. (Family household shows NO signs of illness post cat’s diagnosis.)
- The other cat’s owner tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the cat showing signs.
What CDC in America needs you to know?
- Research is being conducted into learning about SARS-CoV-2, there is NO evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus – DO NOT PANIC – your pet companions are not increasing your family’s risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
- SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported worldwide in very few animals, mostly those in contact with a person with COVID-19.
- Routine animal testing is not recommended at this stage in America.
Recommendations from the CDC in America:
- No pet interactions with people outside of your household.
- Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent interaction with other animals or people.
- Avoid dog parks and public places and keep your dogs on a leash (not a problem with the current lockdown.)
Recommendations for persons who has tested positive for COVID-19 living with a pet:
- If you are sick with COVID-19 restrict contact with your pets and other animals.
- Avoid petting, snuggling, cuddling or being kissed or licked. As well as sharing bedding or food.
- Still wear masks around your pets and wash hands after interactions.
This information is not being shared to create hysteria or risk the welfare of Fur Babies around the world. This information is to educate us on how to prevent spreading the COVID-19 to everyone in our household including our 4-legged friends. We have heard many horror stories from around the world of slaughtering of Fur Babies from the incorrect information being spread about animals and their risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
2 important messages that all readers need to take from this article is remembering these “pets” are members of our family, our Fur Babies are more than just entertainment, comfort or safety in our homes. Pets are part of our immediate family and learning how to take care of their well-being is what we signed up for the first moment we got that dose of puppy breath, our first full face lick, our first snuggle or poop on our carpet. The everchanging world teaches us how to care for one another through these tough times.
Lastly, your Fur Baby is only as safe as you are. As long as we are sticking to our government regulations, staying home, washing hands and social distancing we can make it through this pandemic.
We at PETport will continue keeping you informed. For any questions, concerns or queries, contact our WhatsApp Business line +27 (0)63 971 6547.
