Do animals get infected with SARS-CoV-2 or get COVID-19?

There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is also evidence that many animal species (domestic and wild) may become infected with SARS-CoV-2 from humans infected with the virus [1]. However, the evidence indicates that animals do not play a significant role in infection of humans and that the human COVID-19 pandemic is sustained through human-human transmission [2, 3].

Although many individual domestic animals have now been shown to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 [1], it is unusual for infected animals to show signs of illness and these have generally been mild. Crucially, there is no evidence that domestic animals are significantly involved in the spread of COVID-19 [1].

The human-animal bond people share with their companion animals is very important and can provide much needed support, comfort and companionship to people in these difficult times, so if possible, people and their companion animals should stay together for the benefit of both.

Please note that there are still things that are unknown about this virus and the risk it poses to pets and humans. This information has been prepared with the best and most current information available at the time but things are changing rapidly as the situation evolves. Our information is updated as often as possible.

What animal species can be infected with SARS-CoV-2?

There is evidence of infection (both experimental and natural) of a range of wild and domesticated animals with SARS-CoV-2 [1, 4]. Susceptibility to the virus (how easily a species can be infected with the virus) varies across species. The likelihood of and severity of clinical signs of disease in the infected animal and potential to transmit the virus to other animals, also varies across species and more information continues to emerge about this. In addition, the effects of new variants of the virus may vary with different animal species, which highlights the importance of effective and ongoing surveillance of the virus in animals.

Wild and captive wild species

The wild and captive wild species currently known to be susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 include [1, 4, 5]: horseshoe bat, feline species (including tiger, puma, lion, snow leopard, fishing cat, lynx), ferret, mink, hippopotamus, binturong, white-tailed deer, otter, spotted hyena, coatimundi, bushy-tailed woodrat, striped skunk, North American deer mice, Egyptian fruit bats, primates (including macaques, gorilla, savanna monkey), and raccoon dog.

The main concerns relating to SARS-CoV-2 infection of specific wild or captive wild species includes:

• Heightened health and conservation risk to threatened or endangered species such as non-human primates and wild cat species, especially for small and vulnerable populations of these species.
• High susceptibility of mink to SARS-CoV-2 and risk of spreading the virus to other animals including cats and dogs and humans [4]. There have been large outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in captive mink (these animals are still farmed for fur in many countries) and there is also evidence of infection of wild mink [4]. Although mink were initially infected with SARS-CoV-2 by people with COVID-19, there is evidence that they can also pass the infection to humans [4].
• High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within white-tailed deer populations in North America has raised concerns for the potential risk and public health implications of this species acting as a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 for humans and other animals [6]. Further research and surveillance is needed to assess the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in white-tailed deer [6].

Domestic species

There is evidence of infections of a number of domestic species, either naturally from infected humans or experimentally [1, 4], including cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, and cattle. It is unusual for infected animals to show signs of illness and these have generally been mild [7–14]. Although, there have been symptomatic infections reported in some species (e.g., cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters) and, occasionally, serious disease (e.g., cats and ferrets).

It is advised by the Australian Animal Health Committee that commercial entities who develop tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals should reference the WOAH Considerations on monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in animals, and carefully consider the circumstances when testing may support human and animal health and welfare outcomes [15].

Since there is evidence of cats and dogs becoming infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus from humans who have COVID-19 and some (albeit low) risk to some individual animals, it is important to take some precautionary steps to protect our companion animals such as those below:

• People without symptoms of COVID-19 should continue to practice good hygiene during interactions with animals. This includes washing hands before and after such interactions and when handling animal food, waste, or supplies.
• People who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 should eliminate or limit contact with animals as well as other people. Someone else should care for any animals, including companion animals.
• If a companion animal has been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, as a precaution they should be kept in the house and not allowed to interact with other people or animals.
• If a companion animal has been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and is sick, their veterinarian should be contacted for advice; the animal should not be taken to the veterinary clinic unless the veterinarian has advised this and can take precautions.

The Australian Veterinary Association currently advises that COVID-19 vaccination of animals in Australia is not required and there are no approved animal COVID-19 vaccines registered in Australia [16]. The Australian government monitors this situation closely through monitoring emergence of new research and advice from global organisations, such as the OIE, and will modify its advice if required.

If you are facing challenges caring for your animals, please get in touch with your local RSPCA to discuss options; we are here to offer support and help if possible.