Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals to SARS–coronavirus 2

TLDR

SARS‑CoV‑2, the agent of COVID‑19, emerged in Wuhan in 2019, has spread worldwide, and is believed to have originated in bats with an unknown intermediate host. The study aimed to assess the susceptibility of ferrets and other domestic animals that live in close contact with humans to SARS‑CoV‑2. The authors experimentally exposed ferrets, cats, dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks to SARS‑CoV‑2 to evaluate infection susceptibility. SARS‑CoV‑2 replicates poorly in dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks, but ferrets and cats are permissive to infection, with cats also capable of airborne transmission, providing insights into animal models and management for COVID‑19 control.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the infectious disease COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), which was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Despite extensive efforts to control the disease, COVID-19 has now spread to more than 100 countries and caused a global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have originated in bats; however, the intermediate animal sources of the virus are unknown. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of ferrets and animals in close contact with humans to SARS-CoV-2. We found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates poorly in dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks, but ferrets and cats are permissive to infection. Additionally, cats are susceptible to airborne transmission. Our study provides insights into the animal models for SARS-CoV-2 and animal management for COVID-19 control.