SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats and dogs at infected mink farms

Feral cats that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were infected by mink and not by humans. This was shown in recent research by Utrecht University (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) and Wageningen Bioveterinary Research. Two dogs were also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, it is not clear whether these dogs were infected by mink or by humans.

Researcher Lidwien Smit: "We have known for some time that animals such as mink, cats and dogs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This research shows for the first time infections in which there is a transmission from mink to cat without the intervention of humans."

In the Netherlands, 69 out of 127 mink farms became infected with SARS-CoV-2 between April and November 2020. All mink on the infected farms were culled after SARS-CoV-2 infection to prevent further spread of the virus. On some farms (feral) cats and dogs were present. This study provides insight into the number of SARS-CoV-2 positive cats and dogs in ten infected mink farms and their possible role in virus transmission.

Read the complete article here.