COVID 19

  • Can pets get the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is aware of a very small number of pets, including dogs and cats, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people with COVID-19. The CDC has received two reports of cats becoming mildly sick with COVID-19 in the United States. As of April 22, there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus to people.

    The first case of an animal testing positive for COVID-19 in the United States was a tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. Public health officials believe this tiger along with six other large cats became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. Researchers and authorities are constantly learning about the new coronavirus, but it appears it can spread from people to animals in some situations.

    On April 22, two cats in New York City had confirmed positive COVID-19 tests after each displayed mild respiratory signs. One cat lives with an owner who previously tested positive for COVID-19. The other cat does not live with any individuals who have tested positive, but the virus may have been passed to the cat by an asymptomatic individual.

    At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread COVID-19 infection to people. 

    It is advisable that pet owners and veterinarians strictly observe hand-washing and other infection-control measures, as outlined by the CDC when handling animals.

    This is a rapidly evolving situation. We will update as new information becomes available.

    Is there a COVID-19 vaccine for dogs and cats?

    There is no vaccine for COVID-19 for people or animals at this time.

    Veterinarians are familiar with other coronaviruses. Similar but different coronavirus species  cause several common diseases in domestic animals. Many dogs, for example, are vaccinated for another species of coronavirus (Canine Coronavirus) as puppies. However, this vaccine does not cross protect for COVID-19.

    Can veterinarians test for COVID-19 in pets?

    Yes, but because of the minimal risk, USDA, CDC, AVMA, and others are not recommending pets be tested for COVID-19 at this time. As of March 15, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine has the capability to test for the new COVID-19 in pets. The test request must be submitted by a veterinarian and must include the rationale for the test. Requests will then be sent to the state animal health officer and state public health veterinarian for approval on a case-by-case basis. In the event of a positive result, these same officials must be notified before the referring veterinarian. Please contact the diagnostic laboratory with any further questions at 217-333-1620.

    What animal did COVID-19 originate from?

    Previous novel human coronavirus outbreaks, SARS and MERS, originated in horseshoe bats and passed through other species, such as palm civet and camels. Research is still ongoing to identify the suspected animal source for the COVID-19 outbreak and any intermediate hosts it passed through.

    If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, how do I protect my pet?

    The American Veterinary Medical Association and the CDC recommend that anyone sick with COVID-19 should maintain separation from household pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets.

    Should my pet wear a face mask in public?

    No. Face masks may not protect your pet from disease transmission and may cause other breathing difficulties.

    Should I wear a face mask?

    Updated April 1: N95 respirators, and any other medical-grade face masks (such as surgical face masks), should be reserved for human medical personnel only, as ordered by the Surgeon General of the United States. N95 masks, when properly fitted and worn, are the only masks that will block transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.

    Updated April 5: CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

    How do I protect my pet and myself from COVID-19?

    We recommend that everyone follows the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf

    If someone needs to enter the residence of COVID-19 patient in order to care for a pet there, what precautions should be taken?

    This information has been provided by Dr. Connie Austin, the State Public Health Veterinarian in Illinois.

    Direct person-to-person contact is the most likely way that COVID19 is transmitted (e.g., being within 6 feet of an infected person) for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, the possibility exists for infection from contaminated surfaces (i.e., someone could touch a contaminated surface and then touch their face: nose, eyes, mouth), but that is believed to be a far less likely means of transmission. As time goes by, the amount of virus that is viable decreases on surfaces.

    If someone needs to go into a house to feed/water/walk a pet(s) from a COVID-19 house/apartment, the following steps are recommended to reduce the risk to the entering person:

    • Wear gloves and clothes that can be easily washed,
    • Bring a plastic bag,
    • Avoid as much as possible touching surfaces in the house,
    • As you leave the house put gloves into the plastic bag,
    • After you attend to the pet and go home, wash clothes and wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    • Wearing a cloth mask can protect others from your respiratory secretions as you go out in public.

    If someone needs to take the pet(s) out of the house:

    • Wear gloves and clothes that can be easily washed,
    • Avoid as much as possible touching surfaces in the house,
    • Have a leash or carrier to use to put the pet in so the pet can be taken out of the house safely,
    • Keep the pets together and isolated away from other pets for 14 days out of an abundance of caution,
    • Wash hands/clothes after leaving the house.
    • Wearing a cloth mask can protect others from your respiratory secretions as you go out in public.