Two Cats Test Positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 23, 2020

According to a press release issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus 2019 COVID-19). The cats are the first pets in the United States to test positive.

Both felines, who live in two separate areas of New York state, presented with mild respiratory illness. They are both expected to recover completely.

According to the CDC, routine testing of animals is not recommended at this time. Very few animal infections have been reported worldwide. Currently, there is no evidence that pets are responsible for spreading the virus in the US.

Until we know more, CDC recommends the following:

  • Restrict pets from interacting with people or other animals outside the household.
  • Cats should be kept indoors “when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.”
  • Dogs should be kept on a leash with a social distance of 6 feet from other people and animals.
  • Avoid public places where other dogs or large numbers of people gather, such as dog parks.

Dr. Julie Reagan

Julie Reagan, PhD, JD, MPH, is a public health expert and researcher with a doctorate degree in public health. She is an academic professor who teaches public health, healthcare administration, and public health law courses. Dr. Reagan is also a licensed attorney with over 20 years of experience as a state government attorney, primarily at public health agencies. She was the 2018 recipient of the American Public Health Association, Law Section, Jennifer Robbins Award for the Practice of Public Health Law.

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