Health officials advise against routine coronavirus testing in animals

After two cats in New York tested positive for the coronavirus, officials doubled down on their advice that pet owners shouldn’t panic.

“Currently we have no information that suggests that pets might be a source of infection for people with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” the American Veterinary Medical Association says on its website. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the same at a recent briefing.

Because some animals seem to be susceptible to infection, the AVMA and public health agencies are advising careful—but not routine—testing of animals. The decision to test “should be made collaboratively between the attending veterinarian and local, state, and/or federal public health and animal health officials,” according to the AVMA.

The organization adds that the current clinical understanding of the new coronavirus in animals “is not well-described, because there have been so very few cases in animals.” While animals may present some symptoms, those aren’t specific to the new virus. Government agencies have created testing guidance for officials.

Today’s Veterinary Nurse, a fellow NAVC publication, provided advice to help veterinary teams assist clients who are concerned about reports of animals testing positive.