By Larry | Allie Katz | Comments are Closed | 31 March, 2020 | 0
PETS UNLIKELY spreaders of COVID-19
Well, dear hearts, it seems that this time the Fates have conjured up a real whopper of a way to keep the humans of the planet from becoming bored with life. What would we do without lice, ticks, mites, chiggers, mosquitos, mange, flesh eating bacteria, and a variety of viruses and other misery-causing plagues to keep us on our toes? After much contemplation, I have determined that these life and limb threatening phenomena were created to keep the “Gods” entertained. I can see them now, placing bets with their bookies as to who will survive and who won’t.
This virus, a relative of SARS, MERS and MERS-2 viruses originated with bats. Though bats are mammals, there is NO evidence to date that dogs or cats can be infected with COVID-19. At least there’s no evidence that they suffer the symptoms or are in any danger of death from it.
So, if the experts believe it’s unlikely for dogs or cats to spread COVID-19, what’s behind the story out of Hong Kong stating that two dogs tested positive for the virus? It was reported that a Pomeranian had tested a “weak positive” for COVID-19 after being exposed to it by his owner who had contracted the virus. Apparently, the dog had an immune response to the virus and its body produced antibodies which were evident in it’s blood. There was another incident where a German Shepherd tested positive. It’s believed that these two dogs contracted the virus from their owners who had been in very close contact with their pets. There was also a case of a cat in Europe that tested positive, and contracted it from her owner.
Despite these reports, experts continue to believe that our pets are not easily infected with this virus, and the risk of us contracting the virus from our pets is negligible, and is more likely the other way around. These pets were in close contact with infected people, who were likely shedding huge quantities of the virus. The Pomeranian died two days after being released from quarantine, but most likely died from an undetectable low-level infection or old age. The dog was 17 years old. We will never know because an autopsy was not performed on the dog.
What it boils down to is that if you are carrying the virus, you could transmit it to your pet by kissing them, sneezing on them, or even coming into contact with their food. And though they may not show any symptoms, they could then become a carrier that could spread it to other members of your family or visiting friends.
Once again life experience proves that Mother (maybe even Father) knows best. So, dear hearts, as Mother told you, “If you don’t wash those grubby mitts right now, you will go to bed hungry and lose your right to eat at the table.” Sounded like an idle threat, but back then even Mother had no idea that if you didn’t heed her words, it could possibly one day cost you your life!!
