Two cats in New York tested positive for COVID-19; became the first pets known to have coronavirus in the US
Two pet cats in New York have been tested positive with the novel coronavirus, registering the first case in pet animals in America, federal officials announced Wednesday.
The cats had mild respiratory illnesses and are expected to make a full recovery.
The US Department of Agriculture and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “These are the first pets in the United States to test positive with the novel coronavirus.”
However the US authorities also stated that there is no proof pets play a role in transmitting coronavirus to humans, but it appears that animals can get infected by humans.
The two cats, after showing mild respiratory symptoms and got infected, joined the ranks of the eight tigers and lions who were tested positive with coronavirus in New York.
(Photo: Pixabay)
Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, a CDC official said that people should not be afraid of pets or should not rush for the test of their pets as there is no evidence of virus transmission from pet animals to humans till now.
While officials are still studying more about COVID-19 and pets, and recommending that people limit interactions between their pets and people or animals outside the household.
People should keep their pets indoors if possible and dogs should also avoid public places such as dog parks.
Dr. Barton Behravesh, a CDC official said, “The animal goes outdoors at times and might have come into contact with an infected person in the area.”
Medical experts recommend that if someone who takes care of pets at home gets infected with the COVID-19, someone else should take care of pet animals at home.
Earlier a 4-year-old Malayan tiger, named Nadia at the Bronx Zoo had tested positive after showing mild respiratory symptoms.