The highly transmissible B117 variant was first detected in Kent in December, and has rapidly become the dominant circulating variant in the UK, accounting for about 95% of infections. The cases in Buckinghamshire are among the first documented animal infections with the B117 variant. Many of the pets also tested positive for coronavirus. It is possible that more would have tested positive if these tests had been performed earlier, Ferasin said. At this stage, it is also impossible to say what proportion of animals infected with the B117 variant could develop these heart problems.

Source: The Guardian March 21, 2021 12:56 UTC