The novel coronavirus, named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, has taken the entire planet by storm. With hundreds of thousands of infected and many more expected infections, this pandemic will most definitely be remembered for a very long time and have a massive impact on our daily lives.

There’s already plenty of information circulating the internet regarding the virus and how it affects us humans, but what about our pets?

Science Magazine has recently spoken to a microbiologist from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Shelley Rankin. The novel coronavirus recently made the news again when a Pomeranian dog actually tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong. More specifically, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) chain was found in the dog, although the test was “weakly positive” as the Hong Kong officials claimed.

“The dog has a low-level of infection and it is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission,” Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department stated. “We strongly advise that mammalian pet animals including dogs and cats from households with … infected persons should be put under quarantine … to safeguard public and animal health.”

The microbiologist luckily nuances things, as it’s still not entirely sure whether we can spread the infection to our pets.

As of right now, all the evidence points towards the exclusive spreading of the virus from humans to humans. In other words, there isn’t anything scientifically that indicates we can spread it to animals. The testing in the Pomeranian dog wasn’t conclusive, and the fact that there are a number of SARS-CoV-2 particles present doesn’t necessarily mean that the pup’s infected.

Nonetheless, it’s not impossible. The virus could potentially ‘attach’ to the cells of pets, although the doctor says it’s unlikely to replicate and spread. Unlikely, but not outside of the realm of possiblity.

Many people have wondered if pets should be tested for the virus as well.

At the moment, testing animals definitely isn’t a priority, since we can barely test enough people for the virus in multiple countries. However, if there are more cases of virus particles found in animals (such as the one Pomeranian in Hong Kong), it could be very possible that animals will have to get tested too.

If the animals can become infected – and that’s a big if – they could potentially pass the virus back to us humans. That would mean that pets have to quarantined as well and shouldn’t be allowed contact with ‘healthy’ people. If you’re sick yourself and are showing the symptoms of the coronavirus – a combination of fever, cough and cold – it wouldn’t be a stupid idea to limit contact with your pets, and certainly don’t let them lick your face.

What’s the best thing to do for your pets in the middle of the corona crisis?

Every pet owner should be prepared. It’s very possible that pet owners can get infected, or even hospitalized. In the latter case, make sure that there’s always someone who can take care of your furry friends. It also definitely won’t hurt to bulk up on dog or cat food – make sure there’s a two-week supply of extra food, just in case you can’t make it back home in time or have to be quarantined somewhere else.

Worrying about your pets being infected, however, doesn’t seem to be necessary at this time. The Pomeranian in Hong Kong seems to be an isolated case, and no other reports of SARS-CoV-2 in pets have been made.

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Source: Science Mag