No evidence pets can spread COVID-19, says Vancouver veterinarian
Posted April 2, 2020 4:52 pm.
Last Updated April 3, 2020 7:00 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Despite a few pets getting COVID-19, a Vancouver veterinarian says they aren’t able to spread the virus.
Lauren Adelman, a specialist in internal medicine, explains while there has been some fear around the idea pets might be able to transmit the novel coronavirus, there isn’t any evidence supporting it. However, an investigation is ongoing.
She points out misinformation on social media has caused people to surrender their pets unnecessarily.
“Pet owners may wrongly think they can get the virus from their pets. Out of the thousands of tests on animals, only three in the world have tested positive. If anything, pets are at risk from us,” Adelman says in a release.
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Two dogs in China and a cat in Belgium tested positive for the virus, but Adelman says the risk of transmission through animals is believed to be low.
She says it is beneficial to have a pet around while physical distancing to ease stress.
