ATLANTA (WRDW / WAGT) – A Georgia pet is dead after becoming the second dog in the United States known to have contracted the coronavirus.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said the infection was discovered after a 6-year-old mixed breed dog developed a neurological disease that progressed rapidly over a couple of days.
The dog was euthanized, the agency said.
Since the owners had tested positive for COVID-19, the dog was tested despite the fact that it did not appear to have respiratory disease. The positive result was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture.
The neurological disease was not caused by the virus but by another condition, the health agency reported.
The tests were done on a second dog at home, but the results are not yet available.
Experts don’t know much about the coronavirus in pets, but they are not believed to transmit it to humans, the health agency said.
The agency said pet owners who test positive for COVID-19 should take these precautions:
- When possible, have someone else take care of your pets while sick.
- Avoid contact with your pet, such as petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or a bed.
- If you must be around animals while sick, wear a face mask and wash your hands before and after interacting with them.
For more information on COVID-19 and animals, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.
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