28/12/2023
Cats can get Covid. Who knew?
Clinical Signs in Animals
Visit CDC’s Animals and COVID-19 page for the most up-to-date information on SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals.
Like people, some animals with SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic, while others may present with a combination of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and non-specific illness. Based on naturally occurring infection in animals to date, clinical signs likely to be consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection in mammals include:
Fever
Coughing
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
Ocular discharge
Lethargy
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Veterinary facilities that are able to care for animals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection should have policies that align with the NASPHV Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel and should be familiar with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommendations for Delivering veterinary services, which include infection prevention and control best practices.
