COVID-19 Updates and Information
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. At this time, more than 20 pets have been confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the US, per this list on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website. All of the COVID-19-positive pets had been exposed to a human confirmed to have COVID-19. To our knowledge, all these pets are still living and fully recovered. At present, routine testing of animals is not recommended. State animal health and public health officials will take the lead in making determinations about whether animals should be tested for SARS-CoV-2.
The virus originated from an animal source but is now primarily being spread person-to-person. That said, if you are sick with COVID-19, it is advised to restrict contact with pets and other animals. If you must care for a pet while sick, wash your hands before and after, and wear a facemask. Updated guidelines regarding human-animal interactions and concerns can be found here.
There is no evidence of imported animals or animal products posing a risk of transmitting COVID-19, according to the CDC. Any imported pets or other animals must undergo typical CDC and USDA requirements before entering the country.
MSU VDL TESTING CAPABILITIES FOR SARS-COV-2 IN ANIMALS
May 6, 2020 - To provide support to human and animal health agencies in the State of Michigan, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory can test animals for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This test is not currently available to veterinarians or the general public for routine testing.
For guidance on when testing is appropriate, please see Evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Animals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AVMA guidance on testing animals for SARS-CoV-2, and the FAQ on Animal Coronavirus Testing from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Please contact your state veterinarian to obtain approval and for required information for testing. For Michigan animals, please call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939. Positive test results will be reported after confirmation by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Any detection of SARS-CoV-2 in an animal must be reported to the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health).