Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat in Spain with mild symptoms tests positive for Delta COVID variant
By Barroso-Arévalo, Sandra et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2022·Complutense University of Madrid, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant of Concern in a Symptomatic Cat in Spain.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat in Spain developed mild sneezing after living with a COVID-19 positive owner, who was fully vaccinated. Testing revealed that the cat was infected with the Delta variant of the virus, indicating that transmission can occur from humans to pets. The cat had a high viral load in its throat, suggesting an active infection. While the symptoms were mild, this case highlights the importance of monitoring pets for COVID-19, especially in households with infected individuals.
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Abstract
Natural and experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets has been widely evidenced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the numerous affected animals, cats are one of the most susceptible species. However, little is known about viral pathogenicity and transmissibility in the case of variants of concern (VOCs) in animal hosts, such as the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant first detected in India. Here, we have identified the B.1.617.2 (Delta) VOC in a cat living with a COVID-19 positive owner. The animal presented mild symptoms (sneezing) and a high viral load was detected in the oropharyngeal swab, suggesting that an active infection was occurring in the upper respiratory tract of the cat. Transmission from the owner to the cat occurred despite the human being fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This study documents the first detection of B.1.165.2 VOC in a cat in Spain and emphasizes the importance of performing active surveillance and genomic investigation on infected animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35433922/