April 10, 2020 

Note: See other CAST content containing coronavirus resources and information on our blog.

CAST’s mission focuses on providing balanced, credible science-based information about food and agriculture. With the current COVID-19 situation, we will use this space to provide regular updates on news, announcements, and pertinent educational resource material related to agriculture, science, our members, and CAST activities. 

Pets, Vets, and Livestock: What Experts Say About Animals’ Susceptibility to COVID-19 

After several weeks of reported human COVID-19 cases in the United States, a tiger from the New York Zoo has been diagnosed with the virus. Now, many are questioning whether pets and livestock are susceptible to the virus as well as wondering if this particular virus can transfer to other species.

While the topic is loaded, experts state that is it highly unlikely animals—pet and livestock alike—will become infected with COVID-19. It is also unlikely that the coronavirus can be spread through interacting with animals, but the CDC provides guidelines for interacting with animals if you are sick.

See the news stories below to learn what more experts have to say about animals and the coronavirus: 

• A veterinary microbiologist at Iowa State University says livestock have a low risk of contracting COVID-19.   
• Another expert, this time from the University of Illinois, also says COVID-19 “is not a significant animal-health risk.” 
• A public health veterinarian at South Dakota State University explains why common coronaviruses (not COVID-19) that affect swine and companion animals aren’t likely to affect humans.  
• A coronavirus researcher at The Ohio State University says coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, now including the new COVID-19 virus. More research must be done to better understand why some species are more likely to get the virus than others and what causes the crossover. 
• The Friedrich Loeffler Institute began testing certain species—including chickens and pigs—for COVID-19 susceptibility a few weeks ago, and initial results see neither food animals are affected. The study will conclude in May. 

We’re also providing resources for up-to-date information about COVID-19’s impact on animal health. 

• The AVMA provides resources for what veterinarian needs to know about the pandemic. 
• The USDA-APHIS provides a Q&A fact sheet about companion animal coronavirus testing. 
• The CDC provides information on how to take care of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Stay Updated with Us   
CAST is adjusting its communications during the coronavirus pandemic. You can stay updated through regular postings via our blog, social media pages, and Friday Notes e-newsletter.   

You can also stay updated on CAST events by joining our mailing list. 

Photo Credit: Pig photo by Christopher Carson on Unsplash; cat photo by Michael Sum on Unsplash