SARS-CoV-2 in animals

The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission.

Now that SARS CoV-2 infections are widely distributed in the human population, there is a possibility for some animals to become infected through close contact with infected humans. Infection of animals with SARS CoV-2 virus may have implications for animal health and welfare, forwildlife conservation, and for biomedical research.

Until now, all animal COVID-19 cases have been anthropozoonoses, which means that the disease is transmitted from infected humans to animals when they are in close contact. With the current evidence, it seems that domestic animals do not play a significant role in this human disease. However, new findings such as the outbreaks in mink farms in Netherlands warrant further research.

In view of the increasing cases of SARS CoV-2 detection in animals, the Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), coordinator of the animal virology working group, has developed a document summarizing available information, including data from natural and experimental infections.

Based on new studies and reports, this document will be updated on a regular basis and made available in the MediLabSecure website.