(WBOC)
The coronavirus 2019 (or COVID-19) disease, caused by the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, is now on the lips of all news readers
around the world. The epidemic which started in Wuhan,
China, is now raging across the planet and was therefore
declared a pandemic on March 11 by the director of the World
Health Organization.
SARS-CoV-2 virus, is now on the lips of all news readers
around the world. The epidemic which started in Wuhan,
China, is now raging across the planet and was therefore
declared a pandemic on March 11 by the director of the World
Health Organization.
Perhaps you have followed the news and know that a tiger from the New York zoo tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on April 5? In fact, several zoo cats have shown symptoms of respiratory illness following the probable contact with an employee infected with COVID-19.
As this kind of test requires a general anesthesia on such exotic animals, and since these animals had a high anesthetic risk due to their symptoms, it was agreed to test only one tiger for COVID-19, for their safety. It is therefore assumed that these other zoo felines may also have been affected by this coronavirus.
- So, what does this mean for our dear pets?
Until now, we thought they were safe from this highly contagious virus. Is this still the case?
Do we need to take extra precautions to protect our dogs and cats from COVID-19?
Certainly, the large family of coronaviruses includes around 40 different viruses and some can actually infect cats and dogs. But what about the dreaded COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
The rest of this article will answer your questions.