Cats are able to transmit corona infection
Animals that have contact with cats can be infected with Corona virus. That is what a scientific study in China concluded that cats can transmit infection between themselves, but without providing scientific evidence for transmission to humans.
Are cats able to transmit the virus to animals?
The Chinese research team at Harbin Institute of Veterinary Research in China, found that cats are highly vulnerable to Covid 19 and appear to be able to transmit the virus through respiratory droplets to other cats. But dogs, chicken, pigs, and ducks are not likely to become infected.
The first cat infected with Corona virus in Belgium
These findings came in the wake of recent reports of a cat in Belgium showing that it was infected with the novel virus "Covid 19", "after being infected with the deadly bacterium from its owner, and health officials explained that sick pets in Liege city showed positive results after symptoms appeared Difficulty breathing immediately a week after the owner is sick for the first time.
Laboratory experiments carried out in China included the following: that a small number of animals were given a high dose of the virus and there is no direct evidence that these cats will also be able to infect people around them. The team responsible for the work said their findings provided important insights into how animals can play a role in controlling or transmitting the epidemic.
Cats catch the virus through respiratory droplets
This study, which has not been reviewed by specialists yet, and published on bioRxiv on Wednesday, says that five cats were vaccinated with the Corona virus, and three cats were placed in cages aside and not vaccinated with the virus and it was later revealed that a cat had picked up the virus through a respiratory spray. The experiment was then repeated on another group of cats. The mongoose, which is being tested in the Covid 19 vaccine, was found to be also susceptible to infection.
The study did not provide evidence that cats pass infection to humans
Experts said the results were credible, but they did not indicate that cats are an important means of spreading the disease in humans. Professor Eric Pfeiffer, Head of Infectious Disease Control at the University of Liverpool.
Professor Eric Pfeiffer, Head of Infectious Disease Control at the University of Liverpool:
"People should take the usual precautions for washing hands when communicating with their pets, and avoid excessively intimate contact with them, especially if the person is sick with Covid 19. It is important to add that the study does not show how the virus can spread from cat to humans through infection."
Professor Jonathan Paul, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, said that similar observations of disease transmission in cats were made in connection with SARS, which is closely related to Covid 19. And he said
Professor Jonathan Paul, Virologist - University of Nottingham:
"It must be remembered that cats do not play a large role in the spread of this virus .. It is clear that the transmission of infection from human to human is a key factor for the Coronavirus, so do not panic over the belief that cats are a major source of transmission of the Corona infection. And if someone He thinks he is sick with Covid 19 and is in contact with cats so he should limit close contact with his friend until he recovers.
