After recent reports of a Tiger At NYC’s Bronx Zoo Testing Positive For Coronavirus, two pet cats in New York have also tested COVID-19 positive. This makes them the first companion animals in the United States to contract the virus.
Two Pets Cats In US Test Positive For COVID-19
According to the US Department of Agriculture and CDC, the two cats live in different parts of the state. They were tested after they started to show mild respiratory symptoms, including coughing and runny noses.
The first house cat fell sick after a person in its household had a short respiratory illness. However, the person’s ailment hasn’t confirmed to be COVID-19. According to officials, the animal must have come into contact with an infected person in the neighborhood.
The second cat, in a separate area of New York, became ill after its owner tested positive for COVID-19. However, another cat in the same household has shown no signs of illness.
But, the good news remains that these cats are expected to make a full recovery soon!
What Is Known About Pet Animals And The Coronavirus?
According to US authorities, some animals can get the virus from people, but there’s no indication of pets transmitting it to human beings.
“We don’t want people to panic. We don’t want people to be afraid of pets or to rush to test them en masse,” said Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, a CDC official. “There’s no evidence that pets are playing a role in spreading this disease to people.”
While officials are still learning more about coronavirus and pets, the CDC recommends that people should limit interactions between their pets and people or animals outside the household. For example, cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be walked on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals.
The American Veterinary Medical Association also says that pets can stay in homes where a person has COVID-19, as long as the animal can be cared for by someone not infected. Sick people should refrain from petting or snuggling their pets as well as avoid being kissed or licked by them.
So folks, please do not abandon your pets! Take care of them. Because there’s no better company than animals during such distressing times!
Also Read: This Earth Day, Learn Social Distancing From 8 Animals