Covid 19 And Pets Cdc
Because there is a small risk that people with covid 19 could spread the virus to animals cdc recommends that pet owners limit their pet s interaction with people outside their household.
Covid 19 and pets cdc. Keep cats indoors when possible and do not let them roam freely outside. Centers for disease control and prevention cdc and the united states department of agriculture s usda national veterinary services laboratories nvsl today announced the first confirmed cases of sars cov 2 the virus that causes covid 19 infection in two pet cats. Cdc is aware of a small number of pets including dogs and cats reported to be infected with the virus that causes covid 19 mostly after close contact with people infected with covid 19. Cdc usda and state public health and animal health officials are working in some states to conduct active surveillance of sars cov 2 in pets including cats dogs and other small mammals that had contact with a person with covid 19.
Because there is a risk that people with covid 19 could spread the virus to some animals including pets cdc recommends that pet owners limit their pet s interaction with people outside their household and people known or suspected to have covid 19. Currently the risk of pets spreading it to people is low. To date cdc has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with covid 19 in the united states. Walk dogs on a leash at least 6 feet 2 meters away from others.
April 22 2020 the u s. Keep cats indoors when possible and do not let them roam freely outside. We don t know for sure which animals can be infected with the virus that causes covid 19. A tiger at a zoo in new york has also tested positive for the virus.
If you have a service or therapy animal follow your local guidance for acceptable business and social practices. Initial research shows pets can get covid 19 from humans but spreading the virus to humans is rare according to the centers for disease control and prevention. However since animals can spread other diseases to people it s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals such as washing your hands and maintaining good hygiene. Cdc is aware of a small number of pets including dogs and cats reported to be infected with the virus that causes covid 19 mostly after close contact with people with covid 19.