Cats can Become Infected with Coronavirus, Dogs not Vulnerable?

Cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, according to a study published on Wednesday, prompting the WHO to say it will take a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and pets, Reuters reports.

The study, published on the website of the journal Science, found that ferrets can also become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the scientific term for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. Dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus, however, the researchers found.

The study was aimed at identifying which animals are vulnerable to the virus so they can be used to test experimental vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have spread from bats to humans.

Except for a few reported infections in cats and dogs, there has not been strong evidence that pets can be carriers.

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