In April, the first case of COVID-19 among animals was discovered when a tiger suffering from a respiratory illness at the Bronx Zoo in New York was identified as positive for the coronavirus.

Additionally, four more tigers and three lions were also tested, and the results reveal that they were all COVID-19 positives as well. In the previous week, two pet cats in the United States and a dog in North Carolina had tested positive for the deadly COVID-19.

These incidents had led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make updates on their social distancing guidelines, says an article.


Adding More Participants to Social Distancing

Although both of the feline cases are already in a high chance of recovery, the social distancing guidelines involving the COVID-19 pandemic now also covers household pets.

According to the new guidelines released by the CDC involving household pets, the agency is aware that there is a small number of household pets such as cats and dogs that were infected with SARS-CoV-2. This virus causes COVID-19 after getting in close contact with individuals who have COVID-19. There is only a small number of animals that were reported that have shown symptoms to the illness, the agency added.


Still Learning About the Deadly Virus

There is still a lot to learn about the deadly virus. The world is still in an early stage of learning about the virus, including how it spreads and how it can be prevented. However, the world is making progress as before it was only thought that it could only be transmitted from one person to another. However, the small incidents of owners transmitting the virus to their household pets and some animals getting them in the zoo, just like in the case of the tiger in a zoo in New York, proves the discovery of a human to the animal transmission of the illness.

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Treat Pets as If They Were Humans

Currently, the CDC released a warning to people and advised them to treat their household pets like any other human members of the family to protect them from the possibility of contracting the deadly novel coronavirus. These treatments include limiting human-animal interactions while outside their homes. This can be done by not permitting them to go outside. Additionally, the public is advised to keep at least six feet distance from other people and animals while walking their pets outdoors on a leash.

Furthermore, the new guidelines include advice that asks pet owners to refrain from visiting dog parks and other public locations for pets.

People who have suspected COVID-19 symptoms should refrain from getting in close contact with their pets. Furthermore, the CDC suggests avoiding taking their pets to veterinary clinics themselves.

If there is a need to get in contact with an animal, it is suggested to wear a cloth face covering. Additionally, people should also wash their hands before and after close contact with their pets.