Animals and COVID-19

CDC is aware of a small number of animals, including dogs and cats, reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 after close contact with people with COVID-19. The USDA and CDC recently reported confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 in two pet cats with mild respiratory illness in New York, which were the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals in the US. Both cats are expected to recover. The cats had close contact with people confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, suggesting human-to-cat spread. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by SARS-CoV-2.

Limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of a clinical illness associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. Symptoms most likely to be compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals include: • Fever • Coughing • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Lethargy • Sneezing • Nasal discharge • Ocular discharge • Vomiting • Diarrhea

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited data available, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

We are still learning about this virus, and it appears that in some rare situations, people can spread the virus to animals. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by the virus and the role animals may play in the spread of COVID-19.

Please continue to check with the CDC for the most up-to-date COVID information.

**All of this information is from the CDC

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