COVID-19: Recommendations for handlingsusceptible pet animals

Recommendation | FLI | Version May 15, 2020

COVID-19: Recommendations for handling susceptible pet animals

Backgroundsource of infection for humans. However, the studies
mentioned above show that they could be a source ofCOVID-19 is a respiratory disease transmitted by dro-infection.

plets from human to human which is currently spreading worldwide. Recent studies from the People’s Re-Keeping pets in case of confirmed COVID-19

public of China have shown that antibodies against

disease/SARS-CoV-2 infectionSARS-CoV-2 could be detected in cats in the epidemic
area. Further studies have shown that cats can be in-

Persons suffering from COVID-19 or infected withfected experimentally, excrete the virus and infect

SARS-CoV-2 should avoid close contact with pets, es-other cats. In addition, several domestic cats frompecially cats and ferrets. Pets that live in the same

COVID-19 affected households in different countries

household as a person found to be infected with

as well as tigers and lions in a zoo in the USA - haveSARS-CoV-2 and are therefore likely to have been

been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore,

exposed to the virus should remain in the household

experimental studies conducted in China and at theduring self-isolation of the infected person. If pos-Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, among others, showedsible, another non-infected/non-diseased member ofthat ferrets can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Infec-

the household should care for the animal. If possible,

tions of mink in mink farms have been reported fromit should be avoided that by giving the animal away,

the Netherlands. Ferrets and minks both belong to

the virus is spread to other households or, for examp-

the marten species (Mustelidae). Dogs, on the otherle, animal shelters. If pet care by relatives, friends,hand, seem to be less susceptible to infection accor-or neighbours is not possible, a solution taking into

ding to the above-mentioned study from China. The

account the well-being of the animal should be foundanswers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) aboutin consultation with the veterinary office.

SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 provide information on how tohandle dogs (https://www.fli.de/de/aktuelles/tier-During self-isolation, any contact, especially ofseuchengeschehen/coronavirus/).

cats exposed to the virus, with persons outside thehousehold or with other cats outdoors should beSince SARS-CoV-2 infections are widespread in the hu-avoided.

man population, there is a possibility that susceptible
pets may also become infected through close contact

If pet owners infected with SARS-CoV-2 request labo-with infected humans. These infections can occur inratory testing of their own susceptible pet animals,

healthy cats and ferrets with little or no symptoms.

sampling and testing should be notified to the competent veterinary office. Sampling should be carriedExperience to date, including from Germany, pro-out on site by a qualified and appropriately protectedvides no evidence that pets, including cats and fer-individual.

rets, transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans. This could be
because these animals do not excrete the virus insuch quantities or in such a way that they become a

2 | Recommendation | FLI | Version May 15, 2020

COVID-19: Recommendations for handling susceptible pet animals

If other animal owners wish to have an animal tes-

General recommendations for the population

ted for SARS-CoV-2, this should only be done afterconsultation with the veterinarian. If the animal is

When keeping pets, basic hygiene measures should

to be tested, swab samples from the pharyngeal oralways be observed. This includes washing hands

nasal mucosa or, if other samples cannot be collec-

before and after handling animals, avoiding kis-ted, fecal samples may be used and tested by RT-PCR.

sing, licking, sharing food and prolonged close con-However, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut does not sup-tact (e.g. sleeping in the same bed). In the current

port testing of animals without an epidemiological

COVID-19 situation, this should be considered in par-relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19.

ticular by persons with a higher risk of a severe courseof disease.

Procedure in case of positive tested pet animals
Some veterinary laboratories offer testing of samples
from animals for SARS-CoV-2. Detection of the virus* Changes and additions compared to the previous
version from 23.04.2020 underlaid.

in susceptible pets such as cats and ferrets is to beexpected. Although experimental data are lacking,there is no evidence of transmission of SARS-CoV-2
from susceptible pets to humans. In accordance with
the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), therisk of transmission from susceptible pets to humans
is considered low. When deciding to test animals, it
should be borne in mind that the prevention of infection and testing of human samples have priority.
If an animal tested positive does not already live in ahousehold with persons in self-isolation or quarantine
or if the animal owner has had to be hospitalized,
the animal should be kept in isolation for 14 days
(similar to the procedure for humans), if possible.
Persons with close contact to the animal are Category II contact persons. More information on contact
person management can be found on the website of
the Robert Koch Institute:
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Kontaktperson/Management.html.

Recommendation | FLI | Version May 15, 2020 | 3

Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut,Federal Research Institute for Animal HealthHeadquarters Insel Riems
Südufer 10D-17493 Greifswald – Insel Riems
Phone+49 (0) 38351 7-0

Fax+49 (0) 38351 7-1219

Press OfficePhone+49 (0) 38351 7-1244

Fax+49 (0) 38351 7-1226

E-Mail: presse@fli.deContent:		

Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health,in collaboration with Robert Koch-Institut.

Recommendation | FLI | Version May 15, 2020