Coronavirus update
Emerging coronavirus strains and veterinary patients
Diagnostic update • April 2020
A novel coronavirus causing an outbreak of respiratory disease in humans has led to questions about the importance of this newly discovered virus, if any, to our veterinary patients. This guide provides summary information intended to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about the coronavirus. An understanding of coronaviruses and their transmission is rapidly evolving and we suggest that you check the reference sources provided at the end of this update for the most recent information.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected in China with an initial outbreak in the city of Wuhan. This disease is caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 and is believed to have originated from bats. Since its emergence in late 2019, COVID-19 has spread to locations around the globe.1-3
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is a unique coronavirus that infects the human respiratory tract and differs from previously identified coronaviruses that infect humans or veterinary patients. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses consisting of multiple sub-groups that are commonly found in humans and other mammals, birds and reptiles.
Alpha and beta coronaviruses (including coronaviruses such as those responsible for the common cold in humans) usually infect mammals, while gamma and delta coronaviruses normally infect birds and fish. Many of the common coronaviruses causing disease in pets, such as feline enteric coronavirus, are alpha coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2, responsible for this COVID-19 respiratory outbreak in humans, is a beta coronavirus.
Coronaviruses in companion animals
While COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) is primarily a human disease, other coronaviruses play a significant role in causing disease in animals. IDEXX RealPCR tests are available for these common coronavirus infections in dogs, cats, ferrets and horses. These tests are specific to various veterinary coronaviruses and do not detect SARS-CoV-2.6 The coronaviruses detected by these tests are species-specific and do not infect humans.
- Canine respiratory coronavirus contributes to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (also known as infectious tracheobronchitis or ‘kennel cough’). It causes clinical signs similar to that of the common cold. The IDEXX RealPCR test for canine respiratory coronavirus is included in our Comprehensive Canine Respiratory Disease (CRD) RealPCR Panel.
- Enteric coronaviruses can cause intestinal infection leading to diarrhoea, particularly in younger animals. Many infections may be asymptomatic. IDEXX RealPCR tests for canine, equine, feline or ferret enteric coronavirus are included in our Comprehensive Diarrhea RealPCR panels. As noted above, these viruses are species-specific. For example, the canine enteric coronavirus does not infect felines and vice versa.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a mutated form of feline enteric coronavirus that results in severe, generally fatal, systemic inflammatory disease. IDEXX offers an FIP Virus RealPCR Biotype, which detects the most common mutations causing FIP.
Coronaviruses in livestock and poultry
IDEXX also offers tests for a number of coronaviruses that affect livestock and production animals. A gamma coronavirus, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is of significant economic importance in poultry. Alpha coronaviruses can cause mild gastrointestinal or respiratory disease in livestock, similar to the signs seen with canine and feline coronaviruses. As with the test above, these tests are specific to various veterinary coronaviruses and do not detect SARS-CoV-2, and the coronaviruses detected by these tests are species-specific and do not infect humans.
- Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes rapidly spreading respiratory disease in young chicks. Reduced production and poor egg quality can be seen in infected adult hens. An IDEXX ELISA is available for IBV antibody detection.
- Swine enteric coronaviruses are several coronaviruses that infect swine and cause respiratory or gastrointestinal signs, including transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). Mild or asymptomatic infections may also occur. An IDEXX RealPCR test is available for TGEV.
- Bovine coronaviruses may cause diarrhoea in calves. They can also cause winter dysentery, with bloody diarrhoea, mild respiratory signs and decreased production in adult cattle. An IDEXX ELISA is available for the detection of coronavirus antigen in calf diarrhoea.
Transmission of COVID-19 and pets
Leading public health authorities agree that COVID-19 is primarily a human disease that is transmitted directly from person to person in respiratory droplets.1-4 Secondary transmission by touching a surface with the virus on it may also be possible, particularly from smooth surfaces such as plastic or metal.5,6 Porous surfaces such as clothing and fur are thought to be less than ideal surfaces for fomite transmission.
Recent studies have demonstrated that cats and ferrets may be infected in experimental settings and transmit to other animals while dogs are generally resistant to infection, likely due to species differences in their ACE-2 receptors.7-9 In isolated cases, reverse zoonotic (infected human to pet) transmission has been reported in cats, ferrets, and dogs.10,11 Infection in cats and ferrets is often subclinical but may present with mild respiratory signs, fever and, in some cases, gastrointestinal signs. In these non-primary host species, infection seems to be of shorter duration than in humans. Unlike dogs and cats, mink have been identified as a species susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2 (for example, by infected humans in high population density situations such as mink farms), and could potentially pose as a reservoir of infection and viral mutation.12 Although transient reverse zoonotic infections have been sporadically reported in dogs living with COVID-19 infected humans, no clinical signs have been reported in these dogs.10,13 Pets are not believed to play a role in transmitting COVID-19 to humans.1-4
An understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 disease is rapidly evolving. For the most up-to-date information on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to animals, please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.
Development of an IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test
IDEXX Reference Laboratories has developed and validated a real-time PCR test to detect SARS-CoV-2 based on the published genetic sequences of the virus from the human outbreak.14 The IDEXX SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test targets the same nucleocapsid gene as the CDC assay but has been adapted with a unique alignment for use in animals. It has been carefully designed to avoid cross-reactivity with other veterinary-specific coronaviruses. Specificity studies confirm that there is no cross-reactivity with the new PCR test against common veterinary coronaviruses affecting companion animals. Likewise, currently available RealPCR tests for these veterinary coronaviruses were demonstrated to not detect the SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid.
During the initial four-week validation of the new SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test, IDEXX tested more than 3,500 canine, feline and equine specimens submitted to IDEXX Reference Laboratories for respiratory RealPCR panels. Specimens were tested in parallel with three assays from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A subset of faecal specimens submitted for diagnostic diarrhoea RealPCR panels were also evaluated as part of the cross-reactivity studies. The specimens originated from the United States and South Korea. Screening was expanded to Canada and European countries starting in mid-March, including areas with high rates of COVID-19 in the human population.
When to use the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test
At this time, experts do not recommend the screening of nonclinical pets for the SARS-CoV-2 virus unless recommended by a public health authority. Testing of symptomatic pets in COVID-19 infected households may not always be indicated as clinical signs, when present, may be mild and transient. The IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test may be considered when investigating respiratory disease in ferrets or cats after more common respiratory infections have been ruled out. Consultation with a local health authority prior to considering testing for COVID-19 in a pet is recommended. Testing should be limited to those animals with known or strongly suspected COVID-19 exposure. For cats presenting with respiratory signs, a Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (URD) RealPCR Panel should be considered prior to evaluating for SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in cats from a COVID-19 positive household. Ferrets presenting with respiratory signs should be evaluated with an Influenza Virus RealPCR Panel in addition to testing with the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test.
When may it be appropriate to test a pet for COVID-19?
Does patient have respiratory or other clinical signs of COVID-19?
No
Do not test for COVID-19
Yes
Test for more common causes:
Respiratory Disease RealPCR Panel—FelineCode: FUR
Respiratory Disease RealPCR Panel—CanineCode: CRS
No
Has the patient been tested for common respiratory pathogens?
Yes
Cause found on respiratory RealPCR panel?
No
Is there a history of the patient being exposed to COVID-19 (e.g., infected human in household)?
No
Do not test for COVID-19
Yes
Yes
Do not test for COVID-19
Consultation with state public health veterinarian recommended prior to testing
IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test
SARS-CoV-2 specimen collection guidelines
Personal Protective Equipment is recommended when collecting samples. Our existing shipping material is in line with UN3373 and therefore the current recommendations of the WHO. We do recommend disinfecting the outside of the submission bag as an added precaution, but no special labelling is required.
- 2 x deep pharyngeal swab (with visible organic material on swab; please rub firmly) and
- 2 x conjunctival swab (wipe eye clean, swab inside of eyelid)
- +/- 3-5 g (1 g minimum) fresh faeces in a sterile container
- +/- a deep nasal swab if possible (If the patient is co-operative)
Please submit dry, plastic-stemmed swabs, without transport media; keep refrigerated. Appropriate PPE should be worn when collecting samples.
Managing SARS-CoV-2 positive pets
COVID-19 is an internationally reportable disease. If a positive SARS-CoV-2 result is detected, the IDEXX RealPCR team will provide essential information (consistent with applicable privacy and other laws) to the public health and/or veterinary authorities (for example, to the applicable state public health veterinarian in the United States). The submitting veterinarian is then responsible for providing additional clinical details to the local public health authorities as required by applicable law. Positive IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR tests will be further confirmed at a third-party government laboratory, according to regulatory guidance.
Positive PCR results in a pet from a COVID-19 positive household may result from either reverse zoonotic transmission of infection from the infected owner (or other infected human) to the pet or may reflect environmental contamination. It is important to interpret results based on history, clinical signs and the results of diagnostic tests for common veterinary pathogens.
Infected pets should be treated symptomatically based on their clinical signs and monitored for evidence of secondary complications (e.g. bacterial infection). If respiratory signs are mild enough that hospitalisation is not required, it is recommended that the pet be isolated at home with its owner. If there is no history of human COVID-19 infection in the household, consultation with a public health authority is recommended to determine the best course for the testing of humans in the household and management of the infected pet. Repeat RealPCR testing in one to two weeks should be considered to confirm that the pet is no longer PCR positive before considering the household clear of infection or allowing the pet to mingle with other unexposed animals (especially cats or ferrets).
Prevention of COVID-19 infection
Recommendations for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 are centred around preventing exposure. These include limiting person-to-person contact with sick individuals, limiting travel and attendance at gatherings of large numbers of people, regular hand washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.1,2
At this time, no antiviral medications have proven to be effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Similarly, no commercially available vaccines are currently indicated for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans or animals.
Although reverse zoonotic infection (humans to their pets) resulting in clinical disease is considered uncommon, the AVMA and CDC and other authorities globally recommend limiting contact with any pets if a pet owner has been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection as a precautionary animal health measure. If possible, another family or household member should provide daily care of the pet.
Additional resources
Visit these websites for the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 outbreak and for useful resources about prevention and control of COVID-19.
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | cdc.gov/covid19
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) | avma.org/coronavirus
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World Health Organization (WHO) | who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Ordering information
Test names and codes
Test code: COVID |
IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test |
Test for more common causes of respiratory illness to be considered prior to testing for SARs-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Feline Upper Respiratory Profile (RealPCR Panel)
Chlamydia felis, Feline Calicivirus FCV, Feline Herpesvirus 1 FHV-1 (quantitative), Mycoplasma felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica
Test code: FUR |
Canine Respiratory Profile (RealPCR Panel)
Canine Adenovirus Type 2, Canine Distemper Virus CDV (quantitative), Canine Herpesvirus CHV-1, Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Canine Influenza Virus, Canine Respiratory Coronavirus, Mycoplasma cynos, Bordetella bronchiseptica
Test code: CRS |
Specimen requirements
- 2 x deep pharyngeal swab (with visible organic material on swab; please rub firmly) and
- 2 x conjunctival swab (wipe eye clean, swab inside of eyelid).
- +/- 3-5g (1g minimum) fresh faeces in a sterile container
- +/- a deep nasal swab if possible (if the patient is co-operative)
Please submit dry, plastic-stemmed swabs, without transport media; keep refrigerated. Appropriate PPE should be worn when collecting samples.
Service and support
Ordering your tests online
Did you know that you can search for diagnostic tests, create requisition and review status on vetconnectplus.com.au?
Turnaround time
Negative results in 2-3 days; allow additional time for confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive results
Customer support services
IDEXX supports your practice with our customer support, technical support and medical consulting services team, including our diagnostic support veterinarians and board-certified specialists.
1300 44 33 99
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). www.cdc.gov/COVID19. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. COVID-19: What veterinarians need to know. www.avma.org/coronavirus. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). The new coronavirus and companion animals—advice for WSAVA members. www.wsava.org/news/highlighted-news/the-new-coronavirus-and-companion-animals-advice-for-wsava-members. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- Ong SWX, Tan YK, Chia PY, et al. Air, surface environmental, and personal protective equipment contamination by serve acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a symptomatic patient [published online ahead of print March 4, 2020]. JAMA. 2020;e203227. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3227
- van Doremalen N, Bushmaker Y, Morris DH, et al. Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-COV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(16):1564–1567. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2004973
- Wan Y, Shang J, Graham R, Baric RS, Li F. Receptor recognition by the novel coronavirus from Wuhan: An analysis based on decade-long structural studies of SARS coronavirus. J Virol. 2020;94(7):e00127-20. doi:10.1128/JVI.00127-20
- Shi J, Wen Z, Zhong G, et al. Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs and other domesticated animals to SARS-coronavirus 2. Science. 2020;eabb7015. doi:10.1126/science.abb7015
- Kim Y, Kim SG, Kim SM, et al. Infection and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets [published online ahead of print April 5, 2020]. Cell Host Microbe. 2020;S1931-3128(20)30187-6. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2020.03.023
- Questions and answers on the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Surveillance and events in animals. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) website. www.oie.int/en/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus. Updated April 9, 2020. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- USDA Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Animals in the United States. USDA Animal and Plate Health Inspection Service website. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/dashboards/tableau/sars-dashboard. Updated February 15, 2021. Accessed March 16, 2021.
- OIE Statement on COVID-19 and Mink. OIE World Organisation for Animal Health website. https://www.oie.int/en/for-the-media/press-releases/detail/article/oie-statement-on-covid-19-and-mink/.
- Low-level of infection with COVID-19 in pet dog [news release]. Hong Kong: Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; March 4, 2020. www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/04/P2020030400658.htm. Accessed April 16, 2020.
- Journal of Small Animal Practice (2020), 1-7: Frequency of respiratory pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 in canine and feline samples submitted for respiratory testing in early 2020. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13300.
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