ABCD keeps you updated about SARS-CoV-2 and cats

At the time of writing, two cats and one tiger have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus associated with COVID-19 in humans. It has been postulated that the cats were infected from their owners who had COVID-19, and the tiger was likely infected from its keeper who, although asymptomatic, was infected with SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19 to humans. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against cats or dogs that might compromise their welfare. Our new guideline “SARS-coronavirus (CoV)-2 and cats” is now available here:

http://www.abcdcatsvets.org/sars-coronavirus-2-and-cats/

A Spanish translation see here.

This new guideline will be updated regularly as new data become available. Given the potential for infected individuals to infect their pets, in households where people are sick with COVID-19, close contact with pet cats and dogs should be avoided. It is preferable that another member of the household without symptoms should care for the animal. If any owner with COVID-19 must continue to care for their pet while ill, they should maintain basic hygiene measures, for example washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after being near or handling their animals, their food, or their supplies, as well as avoiding kissing or licking their pets or sharing food or towels.

Answers to common questions on COVID-19 and cats:

http://www.abcdcatsvets.org/common-questions-covid-19-and-cats

ABCD supports the statements of WHO, WSAVA and Cornell Feline Health Centre, which emphasise that there is no evidence that cats or dogs could be a source of COVID-19 for humans. Pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.

23 April, 2020

Upon a joint initiative of veterinary clinicians, scientists and an industry sponsor, the Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) has been constituted. In 2005, ABCD held its first meeting in Lyon, France. Its objectives are to communicate scientific developments in feline infectious diseases, to establish a rational base for vaccine use and for disease prevention and control in the cat and to publish its conclusions for the companion animal practitioners’ scene. It is achieving this goal by organizing conventions, at which specific issues are scheduled, discussed and agreed upon. The objective is to define a code of practice that reflects the present state of knowledge on infectious diseases of the cat.