Can pets get a COVID-19 infection?

Since the outbreak of the new crown outbreak, medical doctors have been trying to find the source of the virus, and today, the WHO considers the most likely scenario to be that it originated in bats and then infected humans through an intermediate host.

And recently, scientists have found a mutated new corona virus in 154 white-tailed deer, which has created a buzz.

The most worrying situation is that animals become "mobile sources of virus infection", which not only causes the spread of the virus, but also may give rise to new mutated viruses.

In addition to human outbreaks, animal infections cannot be ignored.

I. New crown epidemic in animals

In addition to people being infected by the new corona virus, animals cannot escape either.

CCDC WEEKLY has posted an opinion piece: 2019 Corona virus disease extends its domain from humans to animals, and a variety of mammals can become new crown hosts, including cougars, tigers, gorillas, ferrets, beavers, mink, rabbits, pigs and cats, and dogs.

And on July 29, 2021, researchers at the National Wildlife Research Center published a paper stating that more than one-third of white-tailed deer in the northeastern United States have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, meaning they are infected with the new corona virus.

This is the first time that widespread exposure to Neo corona virus has been found in wildlife.

At the time, researchers expressed concern that new populations of animals carrying SARS-CoV-2 would emerge and, if they evolved, would jeopardize the efficacy of today's vaccines and could even "come back" to humans after the new pandemic subsides.

So to be on the safe side, the researchers suggest that it is necessary to investigate and test for predators of white-tailed deer.

Second, the animal infected with the new crown, what exactly is the impact on humans?

Many people are concerned about the fact that the new corona virus can spread in the wild, and wonder if this has any effect on humans.

A growing number of studies have found that the new corona virus shows signs of long-term evolution in white-tailed deer, and this could lead to new ways for its re-transmission to humans.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has released a study that found that new corona virus infections in white-tailed deer sampled in Ontario had 76 mutant loci compared to the original strain.

And these mutant strains are very closely related to the new corona virus that infected humans a year ago, which means the virus has been seeking out white-tailed deer for some time.

What's even more head-scratching is that some scientists have found a case of human infection with a new corona virus in southwestern Ontario that is highly similar to the genome of the new corona virus in white-tailed deer, and suspect that the infection may have been transmitted from the white-tailed deer.

However, one should not be overly concerned, for the time being there is a lack of sufficient evidence to confirm that deer are a breeding ground for dangerous variants. To confirm this, more cases are needed to confirm it, and one case alone is obviously not enough.

Therefore, we must also maintain a rational view of the spread of the new corona virus from animals to people, not to panic, not to be careless, and to do the due protection.

Third, pets may be infected with the new crown, how to do a good job of protection?

In recent times, cases of animals infected with the new crown have been repeatedly reported, so for those who have pets such as pets, it is equally important to give good protection to your pets.

Some studies have found that pets such as cats and dogs can be infected with New Crown and that cats are more susceptible to animal-animal transmission than dogs.

When a pet is infected with a new crown, it often may not develop the disease.

Even when they develop, most of the symptoms are relatively mild, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, lack of energy, sneezing and runny nose, so owners should learn to keep an eye on them and contact the relevant staff for troubleshooting if these symptoms appear.

Of course, it should be stressed that there is no evidence yet that the virus can be transmitted to humans through pets, so you do not need to worry too much, just do what you should do to protect yourself.

What about the risks associated with pet ownership that should be reduced?

1、Do not go out as much as possible

During the epidemic, in order to reduce the risks associated with pet ownership, it is recommended that you try not to take your pets outside, especially to free activities in crowded outdoor areas.

When you are usually at home, you should do a good job of cleaning your pets hygienically, bathe them frequently, change their mats in a timely manner, and remember to wash your hands before and after contact with animals so as to reduce the possibility of being infected or carrying the new corona virus.

2、Regular inspection

Pets, like people, need regular health checkups, and pet owners should remember to take their pets to the vet for regular health checkups so that problems can be detected and dealt with in a timely manner.

3, find discomfort as soon as possible to check

Do not panic if your pet shows clinical signs suspected of a new crown such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, lethargy, lack of energy, sneezing, runny nose, etc. Do not rush to take your pet out of the house or to the vet.

The most correct approach at this time is to promptly notify the quarantine personnel to inspect, while doing a good job of home isolation measures.

Pets also have a certain chance of contracting the new crown, so if you have pets, don't forget to protect your pets in addition to your own new crown protection.

As for whether the animals infected with the new corona virus will spread the virus to people this, there is no evidence to confirm this for the time being, so we should not panic, and there is no reason to abandon or harm their pets.