Pet Cat Tests Positive for COVID-19 in the US, Infection Route Unknown

Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Two cats in New York State, USA, have been infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This is the first time that pets in the United States have tested positive for COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories announced on the 23rd, "Two cats in New York State have tested positive for COVID-19," adding, "Both cats showed mild respiratory symptoms and are expected to recover."

One of the two cats tested positive after showing mild respiratory symptoms and undergoing diagnostic testing by a veterinarian. None of the family members of this cat had contracted COVID-19. The CDC stated, "It is possible that this cat was infected through contact with a family member who was asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, or through contact with an infected person outside the home."

The other cat began showing symptoms after its owner was infected with COVID-19. However, other cats living in the same household did not show any particular symptoms.

A U.S. health official emphasized, "There is no evidence that pets spread the COVID-19 virus," and added, "Pets should not be harmed in any way."

Previously, cases of tigers and lions infected with COVID-19 were reported at the Bronx Zoo in New York State, but this is the first positive case reported among pets. Earlier, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, the origin of COVID-19, and in Hong Kong, cases of cats infected with COVID-19 were reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.