There have been growing concerns among the public that COVID-19 could be spread from pets to humans. These fears were heightened recently when the media reported that some cats and dogs had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
- Cats (domestic cats and a tiger) and dogs who were in contact with infected humans have tested positive for COVID-19 (World Health Organisation).
- The World Organisation for Animal Health(OIE), the American Veterinary Association, the Federation of Veterinarians of European and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine all state that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 could be spread from pets to humans, but advise that there is a risk that pets can become infected if in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is spread mainly through respiratory droplets when a person coughs, sneezes or talks, or through touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) highlights that humans potentially pose a risk to pets. However, only a very small number of pets are reported as having contracted COVID-19, and their illness has been mild (Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine).
- Various Health and animal welfare organisations (World Organisation for Animal Health(OIE), AVMA, World Health Organisation, HSE) recommend that people who are symptomatic for COVID-19 should minimise close contact with their pets and practise good hygiene measures, including regular hand washing before and after touching animals, handling their food, supplies or waste.
- When in contact with animals, good general hygiene measures are recommended, including regular hand washing before and after touching animals, handling their food, supplies or waste (European Centre for Disease Control, AVMA, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine ).
