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COVID-19 UPDATE - PETS
Currently there is NO evidence that a person has ever gotten COVID-19 from a pet.

COVID-19 UPDATE - PETS

DALLAS, TX—APRIL 6, 2020—Yesterday (April 5) it was released that a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for COVID-19, after being exposed to a zoo employee that was actively shedding the virus.

There is NO evidence that a person has ever gotten COVID-19 from a pet.

There are no known cases of active infection with SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals including pets at this time. Because the situation is ever-evolving, public and animal health officials may decide to test certain animals out of an abundance of caution. The decision to test will be made collaboratively between local, state or federal public and animal health officials.

This is the first case of its kind and we are still learning how coronavirus spreads. State animal and public health officials will continue to work closely with USDA and CDC to monitor this situation and will conduct additional testing if it is warranted.

Anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, out of an abundance of caution including pets, during their illness, just as they 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. If a sick person must care for a pet or be around animals, they should wash their hands before and after the interaction

According to AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

“While these are recommended as good practices, it is important to remember that there is currently little to no evidence that pets or other domestic animals that are naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 become sick with COVID-19 or spread the virus to other domestic animals, and no evidence that they can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to people. Accordingly, there is no reason to remove pets from homes even if COVID-19 has been identified in members of the household, unless there is risk that the pet itself is not able to be cared for appropriately. During this pandemic emergency, pets and people each need the support of the other and veterinarians are there to support the good health of both.”

CLICK HERE for frequently asked questions on Companion Coronavirus Testing.