What does corona mean for my pet and me?

Corona has turned all our lives upside down. What we initially laughed about has now become bitterly serious. As a pet owner, you have probably often wondered what impact corona could have on your pet and you. Find out more in today's article. The information comes from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut.

Background information

COVID-19 is a droplet-borne respiratory disease that is currently spreading worldwide. Recent studies from China have shown that antibodies against the pathogen SARS-CoV-2 could be detected in cats in the epidemic area there.

Further studies have shown that cats can be experimentally infected, excrete the virus and infect other cats. In addition, a domestic cat in Belgium that came from a household affected by COVID-19 and a tiger and several cats from infected people in the USA tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

In addition, experimental studies conducted in China and at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, among others, have shown that ferrets can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Dogs, on the other hand, appear to be less susceptible to infection according to the above-mentioned study from China.

As SARS-CoV-2 infections are common in the human population, there is a possibility that susceptible pets may also become infected through close contact with infected individuals. These infections can also occur in healthy cats and ferrets with no or only mild symptoms.

Experience to date, including from Germany, provides no evidence that pets, including cats and ferrets, transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans. This could be due to the fact that these animals do not excrete the virus in such quantities or in such a way that they become a source of infection for humans.

However, the studies mentioned above show that they could be a source of infection.

What should I do if I have COVID-19?

- Keeping pets with confirmed COVID-19 disease/SARS-CoV-2 infection People who have COVID-19 or are infected with SARS-CoV-2 should avoid close contact with pets, especially cats and ferrets.

- Pets that live in the same household as a person who has been confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and are therefore likely to have been exposed to the virus should remain in the household during home isolation of the infected person.

- If possible, another non-infected/ill household member should look after the animal. If possible, it should be avoided that the virus is spread to other households or, for example, animal shelters by giving the animals away.

If care by relatives, friends or neighbours is not possible, a solution should be found in consultation with the veterinary office that takes into account the welfare of the animals.

During home isolation, any contact, especially of cats that have potentially come into contact with the virus, with people outside the household or with other outdoor cats should be avoided.

What should I do if my pet is infected?

In accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the risk of transmission from susceptible pets to humans is considered to be low. When deciding to test animals, it should be borne in mind that infection control and testing of human samples take priority.

If an animal that has tested positive is not already living in a household with people in isolation or quarantine or the animal owner has had to be hospitalised,the animal should be keptin isolation for 14 days (similar to the procedure for humans) if possible. Persons in close contact with the animal are Category II contact persons.

General recommendations for the general public

Basic hygiene measures should always be observed when keeping pets:

- Washing hands before and after handling animals,

- avoid kissing and licking,

- the sharing of food

- and prolonged close contact (e.g. animals spending the night in bed).

In the current COVID-19 situation, people with a higher risk of a severe course of the disease should pay particular attention to this.

Hopefully this article has shed some light on the situation and allayed some of your fears. Corona is a challenge for all of us, but if you follow the recommended safety precautions, living with a pet should not be a problem. Stay safe and sound, Daniela.

Bibliography:

Information from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut: https://www.openagrar.de/servlets/MCRFileNodeServlet/openagrar_derivate_00029177/Empfehlung-Umgang-mit-empfaenglichen-Haustieren_23-04-2020.pdf

The answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 provide information on handling dogs: https://www.fli.de/de/aktuelles/tierseuchengeschehen/coronavirus/

Exciting video: 'Corona and cats' by veterinarian Dr Karim Montasser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5v7wPjMAqw