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A new scientific study -this time carried out by a group of Chilean researchers- concluded that cats can contract the covid-19 virus through their owners.
The research was conducted by Scientists from the Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences (Favet) of the University of Chile, who studied 17 companion cats.
As explained to The Mercury, Víctor Neira, one of the study authors, stated that they found “Several positive cases of cats infected with the virus in two households”.
Cats also tested positive
The investigation found that in one of the homes a cat with SARS CoV2 antibodies was found, which suggests that the animal was infected with the virus.
In another analyzed home, where two people were with coronavirus, well cats also tested positive for PCR, days after the diagnosis of their owners.
“The positive samples were sent for sequencing, in order to obtain the genome of the viruses, which found that they were identical and thus human-cat transmission was demonstrated“says Neira.
“The contagion was proven, so that if there is a person infected with covid-19 in a house, they should avoid close contact with the cat and wash their hands well before putting food on them ”, assured Neira.
The study concluded that the route of transmission of the virus is by direct contact, orally or through the eyes, and by respiratory route as infected droplets. “The disease usually presents in them asymptomatic or mild”said Neira, adding that it usually presents with lethargy, cough and breathing difficulties.
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