ATLANTA – A dog in Georgia has become the second known confirmed case of coronavirus in a canine in the United States, state health officials said.
The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed that a 6-year-old mixed breed dog experienced sudden neurological disease that progressed rapidly. Authorities said the only recourse was to get the dog down.
State health officials said the dog’s owner recently tested positive for COVID-19, but showed no signs of the disease.
The dog was tested and the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory returned a suspected positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Health officials said the progressive neurological disease was caused by an underlying condition in the dog.
A second domestic dog has since been tested, but there were no results until Wednesday.
Experts said little is known about the infection in pets, but it is not believed that they can transmit the virus to humans. However, experts believe that pets can become infected with infected humans.
Authorities advise anyone with pets who have tested positive for the coronavirus, even if there are no symptoms, to be quarantined away from their pets. Owners should avoid stroking, snuggling, being kissed or licked, sharing food, and sleeping in the same bed.
Those who cannot care for their pet by a loved one should take social distancing precautions, wear a mask, and wash their hands frequently before and after interacting.
The Georgia Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United States Department of Agriculture are investigating these cases.
For more tips on COVID-19 and pets, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.
Learn how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting Georgia
The best prevention measures:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a disposable tissue, then throw it away.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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Learn how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting Georgia
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