Genetic virus test suggests COVID-19 transmission to household pets
Fox News
COVID-19 positive pet owner, dog, and cat infected with identical strain of coronavirus, suggesting evidence of transmission in home
This study is one of five nationwide pilot studies investigating COVID infections in animals. The release stated the study is the only one using whole genomic sequence, a laboratory method that looks at genetic makeup, of the virus from samples of humans and pets.
"This is the first report of the B.1.575 lineage in companion animals. Genetically linking SARS-CoV-2 between people and animals, and tracking changes in SARS-CoV-2 genomes is essential to detect any cross-species SARS-CoV-2 transmission that may lead to more transmissible or severe variants that can affect humans", the authors wrote.
Genetic samples were collected from swabs of a cat and dog and their owner. The genetic makeup of the virus detected were found to match identically, suggesting zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from human to at least one pet, according to the report. The study authors said both animals were asymptomatic but were in close contact to the symptomatic pet owner who tested positive for COVID -19.
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