The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health emergency and is placing unprecedented pressure on health services worldwide, with widespread human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.

Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 emerged from an animal source. However, further investigations are needed to find the source, determine how the virus entered the human population and establish the potential role of an animal reservoir in transmission.

Evidence

There is emerging evidence that there is a possibility for some animals to become infected through close contact with infected humans; however, there is no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in pets or other animals in the UK, and there is nothing to suggest animals may transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans.

Human-to-human is the predominant route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The Government’s focus is, therefore, on providing SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity for people.

Animal tests

Infection of animals with SARS-CoV-2 meets the [World Organisation for Animal Health’s] OIE’s criteria of an emerging infection. As a consequence, veterinarians should report any positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 they receive to the CVO in the administration where the virus was detected.

A decision to test for SARS-CoV-2 should only be taken in the interest of the animal’s health and welfare, with due consideration to the RCVS guidelines on veterinary work during the current social distancing requirements.