Coronavirus in Pets?

Institute of Virology at Freie Universität Offers Pathogen Detection for Dogs and Cats. No 064/2020 from Apr 05, 2020 Scientists at the Institute of Virology at Freie Universität Berlin are investigating the occurrence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats. "There seems to be transmission from humans to pets under natural conditions," states Klaus Osterrieder, a virologist at the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Freie Universität. He says, however, that so far there is no evidence that infection of dogs or cats affects what happens in humans. The institute offers pathogen detection as part of its virus diagnostics. Those interested are requested to call ahead by phone: +49 30 838-51822. "There is increasing evidence that the virus can infect cats in particular," says Professor Osterrieder.