UPDATE 01/07/21
Recent evidence shows dogs and cats can be infected with COVID-19. Most infections seem to be asymptomatic, ie your pet won't show any signs. However you should minimise contact with your pet if you have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of covid-19 to be safe. There is currently no evidence that pets transmit the disease to humans.
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It’s all over the news - a new strain of Coronavirus (2019-nCOV, AKA Covid-19) is causing major issues globally to the human population. But can animals get Coronavirus too?
There will be conflicting information online as Coronavirus does have strains that affect animals - in fact most strains are exclusively non-human. On the 22nd July 2020 a domestic cat in the UK tested positive for having the virus. However the current strain in the news (2019-nCOV) shows there is no evidence that pets can transmit the disease to humans, so we can rest easy! While it is still important to maintain good hygiene practices after contact with animals, including washing hands thoroughly, there is no immediate threat with regard to Coronavirus spreading from your pet.
More information can be found on the World Health Organisation website, but we will aim to keep you up-to-date if and when updates are available.
Written by: Dr. Nick Garside BVetMed MRCVS
