First Reported Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Companion Animals — New York, March–April 2020

June 12, 2020

Newman A, Smith D, Ghai RR, et al.

MMWR

Two domestic cats living in households in the United States with persons who were positive or suspected positive for COVID-19 were confirmed to be infected with SARSCoV-2 by RT-PCR. Symptoms exhibited by the cats included sneezing, coughing, nasal and ocular discharge, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Both cats fully recovered. While human-to-animal transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can occur, animals are not suspected of playing a major role in spreading COVID-19. However, this One Health study suggests that animals that test positive for SARS-CoV-2 should be kept separate from other animals and humans, and humans with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should similarly limit contact with animals.

Newman A, Smith D, Ghai RR, et al. First Reported Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Companion Animals — New York, March–April 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 8 June 2020. DOI:

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