SARS-CoV-2 variant detected in dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis


Date:
November 5, 2021
Source:
Wiley
Summary:
A new study reveals that pets can be infected with the alpha variant
of SARS-CoV-2, which was first detected in southeast England and
is commonly known as the UK variant or B.1.1.7.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A new study in the Veterinary Record reveals that pets can be infected
with the alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2, which was first detected in
southeast England and is commonly known as the UK variant or B.1.1.7. This variant rapidly outcompeted pre-existing variants in England due to its increased transmissibility and infectivity.


==========================================================================
The study describes the first identification of the SARS-CoV-2 alpha
variant in domestic pets; two cats and one dog were positive on PCR test,
while two additional cats and one dog displayed antibodies two to six
weeks after they developed signs of cardiac disease. Many owners of these
pets had developed respiratory symptoms several weeks before their pets
became ill and had also tested positive for COVID-19.

All of these pets had an acute onset of cardiac disease, including severe myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).

"Our study reports the first cases of cats and dogs affected by
the COVID-19 alpha variant and highlights, more than ever, the
risk that companion animals can become infected with SARS-CoV-2,"
said lead author Luca Ferasin, DVM, PhD, of The Ralph Veterinary
Referral Centre, in the UK. "We also reported the atypical clinical manifestations characterized by severe heart abnormalities, which is a well-recognised complication in people affected by COVID-19 but has never described in pets before. However, COVID-19 infection in pets remains
a relatively rare condition and, based on our observations, it seems
that the transmission occurs from humans to pets, rather than vice versa." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Wiley. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Luca Ferasin, Matthieu Fritz, Heidi Ferasin, Pierre Becquart,
Sandrine
Corbet, Meriadeg Ar Gouilh, Vincent Legros, Eric M. Leroy. Infection
with SARS‐CoV‐2 variant B.1.1.7 detected in a group
of dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis. Veterinary Record,
2021; 189 (9) DOI: 10.1002/vetr.944 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211105084113.htm

--- up 9 weeks, 1 day, 8 hours, 25 minutes
* Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1:317/3)