The Centers for Disease Control and US Department of Agriculture released a statement confirming the first cases of coronavirus in two pet cats in New York.
The two cats are not from the same household, but both live in New York. They are the first pets in the US to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.
The USDA says it does not recommend routine virus testing in animals.
"Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected."
Check out the full statement here:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/sa-2020/sars-cov-2-animals
Photo: Getty Images
Source: USDA