Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats of humans diagnosed with COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats of humans diagnosed with COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Published 27 September 2021
Calvet, G.A. et al (2021) Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats of humans diagnosed with COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PLOS ONE, 16 (4), p. e0250853. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250853
This paper reports on evidence of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in 39 pets (29 dogs and 10 cats) living with COVID-19 patients in Rio de Janeiro, during the period May-October 2020. Animals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antigen (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal and rectal swabs) and for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (blood sample) on 3 separate occasions approximately 15 days apart.
Nine dogs (31%) and four cats (40%) from 10 (47.6%) households showed evidence of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Six of these 13 animals developed mild but reversible signs of the disease.
Animals tested positive from 11 to 51 days after the human index COVID-19 case onset of symptoms. Three dogs tested positive twice within 14, 30, and 31 days apart. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (3.4%) and two cats (20%).
The authors conclude that people diagnosed with COVID-19 should avoid direct contact with their pets for as long as they remain ill.
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