Published 20 April 2020 | Updated 22 March 2021

Experimental studies into the infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by animals are at a very early stage, with information being released rapidly and, in some cases, before peer review has been completed.

The preliminary results of these studies appear to indicate that some domestic animals can be experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 and may transmit the virus to other animals, of the same species, under experimental conditions. However, it is important to remember that these are small scale preliminary studies and not to over-interpret the results or extrapolate from the experimental situation to companion animals kept as pets. It is therefore important to interpret the findings of these experimental studies with caution.