FDA Warns Pet Owners About Infecting Pets With Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration is advising people who have tested positive for the coronavirus to avoid contact with their family pets.

"We are still learning about this virus, but it appears it can spread from people to animals in some situations," said the Centers for Disease Control and Protection in a news release. "If you are sick or think you are sick with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you limit contact with animals until more information is known about the new coronavirus."

According to the FDA, this means you should avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding. If possible, have another family member care for your pet while you're sick. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with your pets, and wear a cloth covering on your face.

Routine testing of pets for the coronavirus is not recommended at this time.

"Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of pets spreading the virus is considered to be low," said the FDA. "If your pet is sick, consult your veterinarian."

Although researchers have determined that certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair, there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes the coronavirus, can spread to people from the skin, fur or hair of pets.

However, because animals can sometimes carry other germs that can make people sick, it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals, including washing your hands before and after interacting with them, said the FDA.

Researchers do not yet fully understand how the coronavirus affects different animal species.

"We are aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and cats, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after having had close contact with a person with COVID-19," said the FDA.

Recent research shows that ferrets, cats and golden Syrian hamsters can be experimentally infected with the virus and can spread the infection to other animals of the same species in laboratory settings. Pigs, chickens and ducks did not become infected or spread the infection based on results from these studies. Data from one study suggest that dogs are not as likely to become infected with the virus as cats and ferrets. These findings were based on a small number of animals and do not indicate whether animals can spread infection to people.

The first animal that the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 was a tiger in a zoo in New York on April 4.

On April 22, the USDA and CDC announced confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in two pet cats. These were the first pets in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. The cats lived in two separate areas of New York state. Both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery.

For more information on pets and coronavirus. visit the CDC's website.