A study by Italian scientists has found that people can transmit the coronavirus SARS-COV-2 to cats and dogs. The study tested 540 dogs and 277 cats living in households in northern Italy, particularly in Lombardy, where someone was infected with the coronavirus or in areas where there were many cases. The study, which has not been peer-reviewed yet, found coronavirus antibodies in 3.4 per cent of dogs and 3.9 per cent of cats, indicating they were infected with the virus. Swab tests for active coronavirus infections were negative in all animals, as the virus shedding period ended after two weeks. According to Mettenleiter, most animals in the study came from households affected by the coronavirus, indicating that infection is generally transmitted from humans to animals.

Source: Nigerian Tribune August 03, 2020 11:13 UTC