The joint virology research unit of the National Veterinary School of Alfort, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) and Inrae, in conjunction with the Institut Pasteur, announced on May 2, to have detected the first cat carrying SARS-CoV-2 in France. “The cat lived with a person sick with Covid-19”, specifies the Press release.
This study reports for the first time the natural infection of a cat in France (near Paris), probably by its owners. Elsewhere in the world only four naturally infected cats have been reported so far.
How was this cat detected?
The EnvA-Anses-Inrae joint virology unit is studying presumed SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats of owners suspected of being infected with Covid-19. For each cat, rectal and nasopharyngeal samples were taken in order to perform PCR tests. In this context, a cat tested positive. This cat presented respiratory and digestive clinical signs, specifies the Veterinary School of Alfort.
Are cats at risk? Should contact be limited?
At this stage of scientific knowledge, “it seems that cats are not easily infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus even in contact with infected owners”, reassures EnvA. However, in order to protect their pet, people with Covid-19 are advised to limit close contact with their catto wear a mask in his presence and to wash his hands before petting him.
Cats are not considered to be actors in the epidemic. Asked about the potential transmission of the Covid-19 disease through domestic animals, ANSES concluded in an opinion issued in early March and supplemented on April 20 that in the light of available scientific knowledge, “there is no There is no evidence that pets and farm animals play an epidemiological role in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus”.
According to’World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), preliminary results of laboratory studies suggest that, among the animal species studied to date, cats are the species most susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and that they can be affected by the clinical form of the disease. In the laboratory, cats have transmitted the infection to other cats. Ferrets are also susceptible to infection, but appear to be less so to the clinical form of the disease. Dogs seem to be susceptible to infection but appear to be less affected than cats. Nevertheless, the OIE clarifies that “the current spread of COVID-19 is the result of human-to-human transmission. To date, there is no evidence that pets spread the disease.” She therefore recommendsWhenever possible, people infected with SARS-CoV-2 “avoid close contact with their pets” and “entrust their pets to the care of another member of their household”. If they have to take care of their animal, “they should apply good hygiene practices and if possible wear a mask”.
Feline coronavirus: symptoms of gastroenteritis
Are the symptoms the same as in humans?
Symptoms of feline coronavirus. What we do know is that cats can be infected with two viruses from the coronavirus family: FeCV (Feline Enteric Coronavirus) and FIPV (Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus). Please note, these two viruses are from the same family as SARS-CoV-2.
In these two cases, the coronavirus multiplies in the intestine of the cat and can then cause characteristic symptoms:
- weight loss,
- dehydration,
- Vomitings,
- Diarrhea (potentially hemorrhagic in case of severe infection),
- More rarely: fever, cardiac and/or respiratory signs, visual disturbances…
How is the coronavirus transmitted in cats? The transmission between cats of the feline coronavirus (FeCV or FIPV) takes place via the stool: this particularly concerns cats living in communities (shelters, farms, etc.) or sharing the same litter.
To know. Vaccination against feline coronavirus (FeCV and FIPV) is not authorized in France. The disease is contagious, appears rather between the ages of 6 months and 18 months, and no in utero transmission has been observed.
Source:LOOF Scientific Council
In video: A cat tested positive for coronavirus in Belgium
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