March 2020: Update on SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 it causes
Hundreds of coronaviruses circulate among animals including cattle, camels, bats, pigs, cats and dogs. Sometimes these viruses jump to humans (a spillover event) and may cause disease. SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three have origins in bats. SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease named “coronavirus disease 2019” which is abbreviated “COVID-19.”
Our industry is responding to the COVID-19 attention by providing solid scientific resources to help inform and ease the minds of animal owners. Some of these resources are here.
Sources:
- Coronavirus pets: Sharing accurate COVID-19 info with pet-owners, Nationwide DVM, March 3, 2020. Link.
Everyone wash your hands! Veterinary professionals know this, but it wouldn’t hurt to remind pet-lovers about it, too. Hand-washing around animals is always best practice, period, COVID-19 or not.”
- WSAVA updates guidance document after dog possibly infected with coronavirus, DVM 360, March 2, 2020. Link.
. . .there is no evidence that pet animals can be infected with COVID-19 virus or can be a source of infection to people”
- Coronaviruses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Link.
- Seven coronaviruses are known to cause human disease, four of which are mild: viruses 229E, OC43, NL63 and HKU1.
- Three coronaviruses can have more serious outcomes in people. Those diseases are :
- SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) 2002 – 2004
- MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) 2012 – remains in circulation in camels
- COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary, Centers for Disease Control, March 3, 2020. Link. It is likely that at some point, widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States will occur in humans. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it. The most important response strategy would be nonpharmaceutical interventions <link>
- Coronaviridae, Science Direct. Link. See Fenner’s Veterinary Virology (Fifth Edition), 2017. Link.
INSIGHTS:
When life hands you lemons make lemonade! This adage aptly describes current conditions. Like lemons, coronaviruses come in many varieties, challenging both human and animal health.
It is possible for animal health pros to make lemonade from the SARS-CoV-2 situation. Focus on the importance of preventative health, population medicine and reducing domestic and wild animal interactions. Promote recognized methods of disease prevention. For example, hand washing is a lemonade opportunity if we focus on educating about best practices.