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Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Illness in Cats and Dogs1.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 24, 2022
Summary
Pets in COVID-19 households frequently develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, indicating a high likelihood of seroconversion and illness. This study highlights the importance of monitoring pet health during human outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human COVID-19 cases have been reported globally.
- The potential for animal-to-human or human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and seropositivity in pets living in households with confirmed human COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada.
- To identify risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and seropositivity in pet populations.
- To assess SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet populations from shelters and neuter clinics.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR testing of swab specimens from pets in COVID-19 positive households.
- Serological testing (IgG and IgM) of serum samples from household pets, shelter animals, and clinic animals.
- Owner surveys to collect data on potential risk factors for pet infection.
Main Results:
- Among household pets, 7.7% of cats and 2% of dogs tested PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2.
- Serological testing revealed high rates of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: 52% in cats and 41% in dogs from infected households.
- Pets sleeping on owners' beds and those developing new illnesses showed higher seropositivity rates. Shelter and clinic samples showed 9.3% and 16% seropositivity, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Pets in households with human COVID-19 cases have a high likelihood of seroconverting and exhibiting clinical signs.
- Specific close contact with infected owners (e.g., sleeping on beds) and new illnesses are associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pets.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering pets in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and implementing appropriateOne sentence (no bullets), ≤160 characters. Naturally include relevant SEO keywords for optimal search visibility. measures for animal health during pandemics.
Keywords:
COVID-19CanadaELISAJacobson LMacNicol JMarom DRousseau JSARS-CoV-2Sparling SSuggested citation for this article: Bienzle Dcoronavirus diseaseet al. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and illness in cats and dogs. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 June [date cited]. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2806.220423human-animal bondpetsrespiratoryrespiratory infectionsseropositivitysevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2viruseszoonosesMore Related Videos
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