by John M. Simpson.<\/p>\n
Recent reports of a Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus at that causes the human illness known as COVID-19, have focused attention on the effects that the current pandemic may have upon animals.<\/p>\n
According to<\/a> the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) \u2013 the federal agency responsible for administering the federal Animal Welfare Act with respect to animals held by exhibitors such as zoos \u2013 this positive test of SARS-CoV-2 was the first for an animal in the United States.\u00a0 Several large cats at the zoo had developed symptoms, but one tiger was administered the test for the virus.\u00a0 APHIS has suggested that the virus may have been spread to the animals by an animal care employee who was asymptomatic.\u00a0 APHIS indicated that all of the animals are expected to recover.<\/p>\n In a series of questions and answers accompanying its press release on the subject, APHIS stated that there was no evidence that, if pets or livestock were to contract the virus, they can pass it on to humans.\u00a0 The situation is evolving and will continue to be monitored by APHIS and state and local health agencies, but, at this time, APHIS was not recommending the routine testing of zoo animals or personnel.\u00a0 Until more is known about the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus between humans and animals, APHIS recommends that a person who is ill with COVID-19 restrict their contact with animals.<\/p>\n The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has noted<\/a> that, while some isolated examples of infected companion animals had been reported, the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission.\u00a0 According to OIE, to date, \u201cthere is no evidence that companion animals play a significant a role in spreading the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.\u201d<\/p>\n Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has observed<\/a> that, while it is aware of a small number of cases outside the U.S. of pets being infected with the novel virus after close contact with humans who were ill with COVID-19, CDC has no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease to people or that companion animals might be a source of infection in the U.S.\u00a0 CDC also has stated that is has no evidence that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading the novel virus in the U.S.\u00a0 However, as does APHIS, CDC recommends that an individual who is ill with COVID-19 limit their contact with animals.<\/p>\n