Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th May 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Cats caught same COVID-19 variants as humans
Image: woman holding cat
Human-to-cat transmission of COVID-19 is relatively frequent.
Study finds that variants followed same timeline in both species.

A new study has revealed that the dominant COVID-19 variant in domestic cats followed the same timeline of emerging variants as the human population in the UK.

Scientists from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CRV) found that patterns of immunity to different variants in cats reflected the emergence of variants such as Alpha and Delta in humans, indicating multiple human-to-cat transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 over a prolonged period of time.

It is still not known whether some variants are more transmissible from humans to cats than others, or how likely to is that infected cats will develop symptoms.

The findings are based on residual blood samples taken from 2,309 cats across the UK from April 2020 to February 2022.

Grace Tyson, lead author of the study, said: “Our findings suggest that there has been continued human-to-cat transmissions of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it is important that we continue to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infections in pet cats that are in close contact with their COVID-19 positive owners, as it will be important to monitor changes in transmissibility of emerging variants in cats as well as humans.”

Margaret Hosie, professor of comparative virology at CRV, added: “Currently, our recommendation is that if cats regularly going outside, then they should still be allowed outdoor access if their owners have COVID-19. This decreases the risk of the cats becoming infected from their owners.

“Since human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs relatively frequently in COVID-19 positive households, the results of this study demonstrate the importance of monitoring coronavirus infections in pet cats that are in close contact with their positive owners, adopting a ‘one health’ strategy.”

The study, 'Rising SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Patterns of Cross-Variant Antibody Neutralization in UK Domestic Cats,' has been published in Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."