SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in dogs and cats is associated with contact to COVID‐19‐positive household members

• DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14713
• Publication Date: 2022-09-27T04:28:00Z
• Authors: Marleen M. Kannek...; Myrna M. T. de Rooij; Yasmina de Groot; Elena Biesbroeck; Marja K. de Jong; Tera Pijnacker; Lidwien A. M. Smit; Nancy Schuurman; Marian J. Broekhu...; Shan Zhao; Birgitta Duim; Merel F. M. Lange...; Arjan Stegeman; Hans S. Kooistra; Carien Radstake; Herman F. Egberink; Jaap A. Wagenaar; Els M. Broens
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; dogs; General Immunology and Microbiology; General Veterinary; SARS-CoV-2; Short Communication; cats; prevalence; households; COVID-19; Animals, Wild; Cat Diseases; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Dogs; SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being; Cats; risk factors; Humans; Animals; Dog Diseases

Several domestic and wild animal species are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Reported (sero)prevalence in dogs cats vary largely depending on the target population, test characteristics, geographical location time period. This research assessed prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-positive (PCR- and/or antibody positive) two different populations. Dogs living a household with at least one confirmed COVID-19-positive person (household (HH) study; 156 152 cats) visiting veterinary clinic (VC) (VC 183 140 were sampled tested for presence virus (PCR) antibodies. Potential risk factors evaluated follow-up PCR-positive animals was performed determine duration shedding detect potential transmission between pets same HH. In HH study, 18.8% (27 dogs, 31 SARS-CoV-2 positive positive), whereas VC much lower (4.6%; six nine cats). amongst significantly higher multi-person HHs or more persons compared only person. both study populations, no associations could be identified status health status, age sex. During animals, other observed despite long-lasting (up 35 days). infection appeared clearly associated reported Our supports previous findings suggests very low pet-to-human within HHs, clinical signs negligible pet-to-pet HHs.