2 cats in New York confirmed to have coronavirus, becoming first known infected pets in US

[SheltieLover]

https://wreg.com/news/2-cats-in-new-york-confirmed-to-have-coronavirus-becoming-first-known-infected-pets-in-us/

CNN) — Two cats in New York have been infected with the novel coronavirus, federal officials announced Wednesday. Both had mild respiratory symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery.

“These are the first pets in the United States to test positive,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday in a joint statement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agencies emphasized that there is no evidence pets play a role in spreading coronavirus in the United States. “There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare,” they said.

The two cats were tested after they showed respiratory symptoms, according to the agencies, and they join the ranks of a lion and a tiger in New York who were previously confirmed to be infected.

More at link! Xpost from GD.

[virgogal]

1. Testing cats but not enough tests for people.

Boggles the mind.

[Arkansas Granny]

2. My thought, as well.

[shenmue]

3. Cats: "Oh shit!"

[japple]

5. It makes me wonder how accurate the testing is. Cats have always had corona virus in the form of

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) There is a wet form and a dry form. My understanding is that there is a test for FIP, but that it isn't completely reliable. I don't think there has been enough evidence to make these broad statements and we know what's going to happen if this "news" is widely circulated.

[SheltieLover]

6. Ty for info

I have never heard of FIP. I will be hunting for info.

Perhaps this is why cats tend to have very sensitive breathing systems? (I'm obviously not medically inclined. lol Just a thought that flew through my mind.)

[japple]

7. FIP is an insidious disease and the scourge of cat shelters, rescues and human companions.

It's amazing that there are so many similarities between the feline and the human conditions. I am afraid for both humans and cats if there is any kind of connection.