Health & Fitness
UW Studying Coronavirus's Impact On Pets
UW is studying the pets of patients who have had the coronavirus to better understand any potential links between the virus and animals.
SEATTLE, WA — The University of Washington's Center for One Health Research has launched a new study to research the coronavirus and how it does or does not affect household pets. Researchers say coronaviruses can infect a variety of domestic animals from cattle to dogs and cats, and there have been reports of animals testing positive for the new coronavirus.
In March, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the coronavirus, marking what is believed to be the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in an animal. Since then there have been a handful of other reports of pets catch the coronavirus after coming into contact with infected humans. Authorities in Hong Kong say they do not believe that pets like cats and dogs could infect humans with the virus, but a lot of how the virus spreads to and from pets is still unknown.
UW researchers say they hope to clear up some of that confusion: the study aims to learn more how the virus affects pets, and in turn alleviate pet owner's worries that may arise from the uncertainty.
The study is called the COVID-19 and Pets Study, or CAPS, and is seeking adult volunteers who live in King County, have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past two weeks, and have a pet that is up to date on its rabies shots.
The study will involve a variety of pets, from dogs and cats, down to ferrets and hamsters. However, reptiles, like iguanas and snakes, and birds are not included.
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Researchers say there are two main benefits for any volunteers who take the time to get involved. First, participants will learn more about their pets' status and how to protect their pets and their family from coronavirus exposure. Second and more broadly, they'll be part of a large project that could bring valuable new information to their communities and to the world.
The study starts with a 15 to 3o minute survey that can be taken online or over the phone. Afterwards, a vet visits the volunteer's home to test their pet for the coronavirus. Those visits take about 15 to 30 minutes as well, and involve nasal and oral swabs of the pets as well as a blood draw.
To volunteer, get involved or just to find more information on the study, visit the School of Public Health's website here.
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