Download Human Corona Virus

Human Corona Virus: Not a Threat to our Pets
By Dr. Ed Mapes
The World Health Organization has confirmed that human corona virus infection, which
originated in Saudi Arabia in April of 2012, is now linked to deaths throughout the
Middle East and in several European nations. The virus is part of a family of
coronaviruses that cause illnesses ranging from a cold to Sever Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS), and has been re-named Middle East respiratory symptom
coronavirus, or MERS-CoV. Corona viruses have been known to cause illnesses in
many animal species for some time. Corona in dogs is responsible for a mild to
moderate enteritis; the symptoms of which can include vomiting, loss of appetite, and
diarrhea that may contain traces of blood. This disease is not serious in the vast
majority of cases, and hospitalization is rarely warranted. Corona infection can cause
more serious disease in cats; this is called Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Infection does
not always result in this fatal disease because most cats’ immune systems are capable
of suppressing the virus’ actions; the majorities of cats either experience no symptoms
of disease (fully viral suppression) or intermittently come down with various clinical
signs such as respiratory infections.
Pathway of possible outcomes in cats after exposure to Feline Corona Virus.
There is no evidence at this time that the corona infections of animals are transmissible
to humans, and vice versa. The viral strains are different, and there should be no cross
contamination between species. We have many cats in our practice that have tested
positive for the corona virus, and there is no evidence whatsoever, as of this writing,
that humans or other animals are at risk of exposure from these positive cats. The latest
iteration of corona virus has not made it to our shores as of yet, but undoubtedly will at
some point. The good news is that there should be no risk to our pets when it does get
here.