SARS-CoV-2 Affects Both Humans and Animals: What Is the Potential Transmission Risk? A Literature Review

Abstract

In March 2020, the World Health Organization Department declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic, as a consequence of its rapid spread on all continents. The COVID-19 pandemic has been not only a health emergency but also a serious general problem as fear of contagion and severe restrictions put economic and social activity on hold in many countries. Considering the close link between human and animal health, COVID-19 might infect wild and companion animals, and spawn dangerous viral mutants that could jump back and pose an ulterior threat to us. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the pandemic, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestations in humans and animals, the different diagnosis methods, the potential transmission risks, and their potential direct impact on the human–animal relationship.

Immune Responses and Pathogenesis following Experimental SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic Cats

“…Next to viral shedding, we also investigated the potential for host adapted mutations of the inoculated SARS-CoV-2 virus within cats and environment. Animals that can get infected with SARS-CoV-2 and subsequently infect other animals, can potentially be a virus reservoir in which virus circulates and could acquire mutations over time [ 7 , 46 ]. In our study we observed only minimal mutations over time.…”

Guidance on Minimum Standards for Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adolescent Mental Health: Delphi Expert Consensus on Health, Safety, and Canine Welfare

“…Limited empirical data exist regarding the transmission of zoonotic illness between people, canines, and the environment in AAI [ 16 , 21 , 22 ]. Close contact between people and their pet dogs in home environments (e.g., kissing, bed-sharing) has been identified as one zoonotic risk factor [ 23 ]. The feeding of raw animal products is another risk factor, with dogs fed raw or home-cooked food being more likely to carry zoonotic intestinal pathogens [ 19 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

“…Vulnerable clients such as young children, older or pregnant people, and people with immune-compromisation may face an increased risk of illness following exposure to zoonoses and/or of suffering more severe illness [ 23 ], particularly if canines are permitted to lick [ 25 , 28 ]. Consequently, established guidelines in acute settings, such as the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHAE) guidelines [ 20 ], typically recommend strict washing/grooming protocols for the canines, hand hygiene, reducing client exposure to canine saliva, and excluding the consumption of raw products of animal origin.…”

Reviewing methods of deep learning for diagnosing COVID-19, its variants and synergistic medicine combinations

“…The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 among humans has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases, posing a severe threat to the global economy and health [ 12 ]. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are urgently needed to combat this deadly disease, but their development can take months if not years [ 13 ].…”