After it was published in the New York Times that a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in NYC tested positive with the novel coronavirus, it raised the question, “Are we safe around domestic cats, dogs, and other pets at home?”
At this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and other official sources, the answer is yes.
The AVMA reports that currently no pets in the United States are reported as having COVID-19, and that the case positive pet in Hong Kong and one in Belgium were “incidentally exposed” to the virus from close contact with their pet owners that were suffering from the illness.
At this time, the CDC states there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 to people or that they might be a source of infection in the United States.
Day by day we are learning more about the novel coronavirus.
The take-away, so far, from what is being learned about interaction with pets, is to continue to treat them as a family member, using the same prevention tips found on the City’s Coronavirus website as you would around human family members.
The CDC also offers helpful information on COVID-19 and Animals Frequently Asked Questions page.
Coronavirus
News, Animal Services