Two cases of human-to-cat transmission of Covid-19 have been identified by researchers. Scientists from the University of Glasgow have found cases of Sars-CoV-2 transmission as part of a UK cat population screening program.
Cats, of different breeds, lived in separate families and showed mild to severe respiratory symptoms. The researchers believe that both pets became infected by their owners, who had symptoms of Covid-19 before the cats were well.
The study, published in the Veterinary Record, says there is no evidence of transmission from cats to humans or that cats, dogs or other pets play a significant role in the epidemiology of Covid infections in humans.
Prof. Margaret Hosie, of the University of Glasgow MRC Center for Virus Research and lead author of the study, said: “These two cases of human-to-animal transmission found in cats in the UK demonstrate why it is important that to improve our understanding of Sars-CoV-2 infection in animals.
"Currently, animal-to-human transmission poses a relatively low risk to public health in areas where human-to-human transmission remains high."
The researchers at the center worked in collaboration with the Veterinary Diagnostic Service (VDS) at the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine on the study.
The first cat was a four-month-old female ragdoll kitten from a family in which the owner had symptoms that were consistent with Sars-CoV-2 infection at the end of March 2020, although they were not tested.
The kitten was taken to a veterinarian due to breathing difficulties in April 2020, but the condition worsened and she did not survive. Lung samples revealed lesions associated with a viral pneumonia and there was evidence of Sars-CoV-2 infection. The second cat was a six-year-old Siamese from a family where the owner tested positive for Covid-19. The cat was taken to the vet, but her symptoms were mild and the cat recovered later.
Scientists believe both cases should serve to investigate further, as animal testing is limited.
Sources: Guardian, BBC
