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?
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.
