Following recent reports by the CDC that two pet cats in New York State contracted the novel coronavirus, pet owners around the City may have become concerned that their own pets may get infected. However, they can now call a new Pet Hotline which will serve as an information, planning, referral and service coordination hub for New York City pet owners.

On Apr. 29, the City’s emergency management department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare announced the launch of the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline for those who need support for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norwood News reported on Apr. 6 that a tiger at Bronx Zoo had already tested positive for the novel coronavirus, and following an investigation, National Geographic later reported that about a week later, four more tigers and three lions at Bronx Zoo tested positive as well.

The two infected pet cats live in two separate areas of the State. Both have mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. Coronavirus infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19. In late March, it was reported that a cat in Belgium had also tested positive.

In a joint statement with CDC, USDA wrote that routine testing of animals is not recommended at this time, and that if other animals are confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus in the United States, USDA will update its register of confirmed animal cases.

In the statement, the two federal agencies also wrote that state animal health and public health officials would take the lead in making determinations about whether animals should be tested for the virus.

The agencies wrote that a veterinarian tested the first cat after it showed mild respiratory signs. No individuals in the household were confirmed to be ill with COVID-19. “The virus may have been transmitted to the cat by mildly ill or asymptomatic household members, or through contact with an infected person outside its home,” the statement read.

They said samples from the second cat were taken after it showed signs of respiratory illness and it transpired that the owner of the cat had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the cat showing any symptoms. “Another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness,” the statement read.

The agencies wrote that both cats tested “presumptive positive” at a private veterinary laboratory, which reported the results to state and federal officials. The confirmatory testing was conducted at NVSL and included the collection of additional samples.

NVSL serves as an international reference laboratory and provides expertise and guidance on diagnostic techniques, as well as confirmatory testing for foreign and emerging animal diseases. Such testing is required for certain animal diseases in the U.S. in order to comply with national and international reporting procedures.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) considers the coronavirus an emerging disease, and therefore USDA must report confirmed U.S. animal infections to the OIE.

CDC and USDA wrote that public health officials are still learning about the coronavirus, but that there is no evidence so far that pets play a role in spreading it in the United States. As such, the agencies say there is no justification for taking any measures against pets that might compromise their welfare. “Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected,” their statement read.

Until more information is available, the CDC recommends adhering to the following guidelines:

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

CDC wrote that while additional animals may test positive as infections continue in people, it is important to note that conducting animal testing does not reduce the availability of tests for humans.