2 pet cats test positive for COVID-19 in New York, USDA says – CBS News, CBS News
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Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for COVID – , the disease caused by the new coronavirus that has claimed more than 620, 26 human lives globally, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This comes after several lions and tigers contracted the disease at the Bronx Zoo earlier this month .
The USDA said these are the first pets in the U.S. to test positive for COVID – 22. They had mild respiratory illnesses and are expected to recover. Officials say the cats may have contracted the disease from people in their homes or neighborhoods. The pets lived in separate areas in New York, the USDA pointed out.
“… A veterinarian tested the first cat after it showed mild respiratory signs. No individuals in the household were confirmed to be ill with COVID – 19, “USDA said in its press release. “The virus may have been transmitted to this cat by mildly ill or asymptomatic household members or through contact with an infected person outside its home.”
In the case of the second feline, the owner of the cat tested positive for COVID – 19 prior to the cat showing signs. Another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness, according to the USDA.
The testing used to confirm the cats were positive for coronavirus is different than the procedure used on humans. Health officials say that while some animals can become infected by people, there’s so far little evidence that animals are transmitting the disease to humans.
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