Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Wishing good health to all. Here is some useful information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to animals, from the CDC.:
Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low. See If You Have Pets for more information about pets and COVID-19.
Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur?Although we know certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair, there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets.
Can I use hand sanitizer on pets?Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about products for bathing or cleaning your pet. If your pet gets hand sanitizer on their skin or fur, rinse or wipe down your pet with water immediately. If your pet ingests hand sanitizer (such as by chewing the bottle) or is showing signs of illness after use, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.
What should I do if my pet gets sick and I think it’s COVID-19?
Can wild animals spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to people?Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that wildlife might be a source of infection for people in the United States. The risk of getting COVID-19 from wild animals is low. For more information on handling wildlife, see Reducing the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Spreading between People and Wildlife.
Can bats in the United States get the virus that causes COVID-19, and can they spread it back to people?Other coronaviruses have been found in North American bats in the past, but there is currently no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 is present in bats in the United States. In general, coronaviruses do not cause illness or death in bats, but we don’t yet know if this new coronavirus would make North American species of bats sick. Bats are an important part of natural ecosystems, and their populations are already declining in the United States. Bat populations could be further threatened by the disease itself or by harm inflicted on bats resulting from a misconception that bats are spreading COVID-19. However, there is no evidence that bats in the United States are a source of the virus that causes COVID-19 for people. Further studies are needed to understand if and how bats could be affected by COVID-19.
Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low. See If You Have Pets for more information about pets and COVID-19.
Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur?Although we know certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair, there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets.
Can I use hand sanitizer on pets?Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about products for bathing or cleaning your pet. If your pet gets hand sanitizer on their skin or fur, rinse or wipe down your pet with water immediately. If your pet ingests hand sanitizer (such as by chewing the bottle) or is showing signs of illness after use, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.
What should I do if my pet gets sick and I think it’s COVID-19?
Can wild animals spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to people?Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that wildlife might be a source of infection for people in the United States. The risk of getting COVID-19 from wild animals is low. For more information on handling wildlife, see Reducing the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Spreading between People and Wildlife.
Can bats in the United States get the virus that causes COVID-19, and can they spread it back to people?Other coronaviruses have been found in North American bats in the past, but there is currently no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 is present in bats in the United States. In general, coronaviruses do not cause illness or death in bats, but we don’t yet know if this new coronavirus would make North American species of bats sick. Bats are an important part of natural ecosystems, and their populations are already declining in the United States. Bat populations could be further threatened by the disease itself or by harm inflicted on bats resulting from a misconception that bats are spreading COVID-19. However, there is no evidence that bats in the United States are a source of the virus that causes COVID-19 for people. Further studies are needed to understand if and how bats could be affected by COVID-19.