There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about
companion animals and SARS-Cov-2, the novel coronavirus, circulating.
The bottom line is that there is no reason for companion
animal owners to panic, and there is no evidence to date that dogs, cats or
other companion animals can transmit SARS-Cov-2 to humans. All of the experts
add the caveat that this is a rapidly evolving situation.
Here are some reputable sources of information online. Please
recheck for updates.
The World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) has posted Q&As
about SARS-Cov-2 on their page here: https://www.oie.int/en/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus/
The American Veterinary Medication Association have
posted FAQs about SARS-Cov-2 and companion animals here:
The International Society for Feline Medicine (ISFM) is a
good site for information about cats. See their statement about SARS-Cov-2 and
cats here: https://icatcare.org/can-cats-spread-the-new-coronavirus/
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association is
collating advice about companion animals and SARS-Cov-2 here: https://wsava.org/news/highlighted-news/the-new-coronavirus-and-companion-animals-advice-for-wsava-members/