
WSU Researchers Explore Questions Of Coronavirus Spread Between Humans And Their Pets
Listen
Are your pets at risk from COVID-19? According to animal scientists, no. The risk is low as there has not been an increase in the number of pets with respiratory issues.
However, data on animals becoming sick is limited.
Even though animals can carry the virus, there is currently no evidence pets can transmit it to you.
But Tim Baszler, who directs the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Washington State University, is worried about misinformation.
“If pets were perceived as transmitters of this disease, there would be large numbers of pets being abandoned to shelters or euthanized,” Baszler said.
ALSO SEE: Coronavirus News, Updates, Resources From NWPB
After an outbreak the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington nursing home made international headlines, WSU received calls from state agencies requesting test kits for the emotional support cats that live in the facility.
Baszler led the WSU team that created an animal test kit.
A positive result doesn’t mean the virus is active and causing symptoms. It only confirms the virus – or maybe parts of it – are present.
The primary goal of these tests is to collect data, and to help scientists learn how the virus impacts animals.
WSU researchers say that if you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate with your pets.
“Have a quarantine similar to what’s going on with the humans,” Baszler advised. “That’s 14 days currently.”
But he strongly reiterated: COVID-19 is not a reason to surrender your pet.
Currently, there’s been no documented uptick in animals being abandoned or euthanized.
Related Stories:

Goats, Llamas, Tortoise: All Welcome, Some Stressed As Fairgrounds Become Fire Evacuation Centers
Widespread wildfires across the Northwest are causing owners to evacuate more than 2,000 pets and livestock into fairgrounds, friends’ properties and even across state lines. Continue Reading Goats, Llamas, Tortoise: All Welcome, Some Stressed As Fairgrounds Become Fire Evacuation Centers

Can I Blame It On … The Dog? Looking Into Just How I Got Sick With COVID-19
I recently wrote about my nearly two-months as a COVID-19 longhauler. And the number one question I heard was: “How did you get it?” So I decided to dig into the possibilities. Turns out, there are four likely ways I could have picked up the virus: husband, dog, surfaces or the air.
Continue Reading Can I Blame It On … The Dog? Looking Into Just How I Got Sick With COVID-19

‘Hero Rats’ Go On Display At Tacoma Zoo. Their Relatives Are Still Saving Lives
Giant rats sound like something to be scared of, perhaps. But the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, thinks quite the opposite about the African giant pouched rats it just put on display. The rodents are billed as “hero rats.” Continue Reading ‘Hero Rats’ Go On Display At Tacoma Zoo. Their Relatives Are Still Saving Lives