2020-04-20 07:48:00
Since its emergence in December 2019 in China, knowledge acquired about the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, responsible for the Covid-19 disease, shows that the main route of transmission of the virus is human-to-human, by contact between people or through communication. inhalation of infectious droplets emitted when sneezing or coughing.
However, as the genetic structure of the virus indicates a probable original animal source, ANSES was questioned about the potential role of domestic animals in the transmission of the virus. Following the emergency mobilization of its group of specialized experts, the Agency produced a first opinion on the subject on March 9, 2020 (PDF), supplemented on April 15, 2020 in light of the new scientific knowledge available.
Concerning possible transmission of the virus by domestic animals (farm animals and pets), the conclusions of the group of experts indicate that:
The results of the first experimental animal infections published since March 9 show that:
pigs and poultry (chickens and ducks) are not receptive to SARS-CoV-2, under the conditions of the two trials conducted in China and Germany;the dogs prove to be little receptive to the virus under the experimental conditions of the only study published by Chinese researchers; young cats are receptive to the virus, based on the results of the only available experimental trial. This trial identified lesions in the respiratory system following infection in a young infected cat and transmission of the virus to one of the contact cats (cat living in the same enclosure but without direct contact with the infected cat); THE ferretin the three published experimental studies, is receptive to the virus and develops clinical signs and lesions in the respiratory system following infection, as well as proven transmission of the virus to contact ferrets. The same goes for the hamster.
Rare cases of contamination and/or natural infection of pets with SARS-CoV-2, following close contact with their owners who were themselves infected with Covid-19, have been reported. These cases remain sporadic and isolated given the high circulation of the virus in humans and the scale of the current pandemic.
In conclusion, in the current context and in view of the information available, ANSES considers that there is currently no evidence that domestic animals (farm and companion animals) play an epidemiological role in the spread of SARS- CoV-2. In addition, no case of contamination of humans by a pet has been reported to date.
Nevertheless, ANSES recalls the need to protect pets from close contact with sick people and to apply basic hygiene measures when in contact with a domestic animal by washing your hands before and after having stroked, after changing its litter, and to apply “barrier gestures” in all situations.
First case of cat carrying Covid-19 in France: no questioning of the Agency’s conclusions.
4 cases of cats carrying Covid-19 had already been detected since the start of the pandemic: one case in Hong Kong, one case in Belgium and two cases in New York.
Following a scientific study carried out by the EnvA joint virology research unit (National Veterinary School of Alfort) – ANSES Animal Health Laboratory – Inrae (National Institute of Agronomic Research), the first cat carrying SARS-COV2 in France (near Paris) has just been reported. Veterinarian practitioners in Ile-de-France had in fact been invited to transmit samples from suspect cats (cat in close contact with a person suffering from COVID-19 or cat presenting acute respiratory symptoms). This cat, sick then cured, presented respiratory and digestive clinical signs. He would have been infected by his owners, themselves carriers of the virus.
This new case does not call into question the conclusions issued by the Agency:
Humans can, in very rare cases, transmit SARS-COV2 to certain domestic animals receptive to the virus, such as cats, ferrets or even hamsters; conversely, pets cannot transmit the virus to humans. They are what we call “epidemiological dead ends”.
To limit the risks of contamination from humans to animals, the Agency nevertheless recommends:
to avoid any close contact with your animal when you are carrying the virus; to wash your hands before and after petting your animal; to wash your hands after changing the litter.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Veterinary Epidemiologist**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. There’s been a lot of concern about the potential role of animals in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Can you provide us with a summary of the current understanding regarding domestic animals and COVID-19?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Since the onset of the pandemic, research has shown that the primary mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is through human-to-human contact, primarily via respiratory droplets when a person sneezes or coughs. While the virus likely originated from animals, the actual threat posed by domestic animals is relatively low.
**Editor:** You mentioned that certain animals have been studied. What do the findings indicate about the susceptibility of different domestic animals to SARS-CoV-2?
**Dr. Carter:** Studies have shown varied susceptibility among domestic animals. For instance, pigs and poultry like chickens and ducks are not receptive to the virus. Dogs show low receptivity, while young cats have been found to be somewhat susceptible, with cases of transmission observed in experimental trials. Ferrets and hamsters are also found to be more susceptible, developing clinical signs and lesions similar to those seen in humans following infection.
**Editor:** That sounds concerning for those who own pets, particularly cats. Are there any documented cases of human transmission from pets?
**Dr. Carter:** Currently, there have been sporadic reports of pets, mostly cats and dogs, testing positive for the virus, but these cases stemmed from close contact with infected humans. Importantly, there is no evidence indicating that domestic animals play a significant epidemiological role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to humans. No cases of pet-to-human transmission have been confirmed to date.
**Editor:** That’s reassuring to hear. What precautions should pet owners take in the context of this pandemic?
**Dr. Carter:** Pet owners should be cautious and minimize contact between their pets and anyone who is sick. Basic hygiene measures are fundamental—washing hands before and after touching pets, and maintaining their health is crucial. If a pet is showing signs of illness, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for shedding light on this important aspect of the pandemic. Your insights are invaluable for pet owners during these challenging times.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s essential to stay informed while keeping our beloved pets safe as well.
