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COVID-19 and Pets

 

By now, most people are aware of the importance of taking precautions to avoid spreading the Coronavirus to other people.  But what about our pets?

Credit Virginia Tech Photo
Dr. Cassidy Rist

First, the good news: “Despite the widespread disease in the human population. There have been no reports of pets becoming ill with COVID-19," says Cassidy Rist.  She teaches population health sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia tech.

 

“Also, there's no evidence to suggest that our pets can transmit this disease to us.”

But she says, it possible, a person who has COVID-19 could contaminate a pet. And while dogs and cats don’t become infected, the virus could remain on their bodies for a period of time. The CDC recommends people infected with COVID-19 practice isolation from their pets just like they would any other household member.

 ***Editor's Note: Radio IQ is a service of Virginia Tech.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Robbie Harris is based in Blacksburg, covering the New River Valley and southwestern Virginia.