Protect your pets from SARS-CoV-2 infection
Cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 by a reverse zoonosis. If you have COVID-19 you can infect your pets.
Our team confirmed this finding in a seroepidemiologic survey* of cats and dogs in Portugal and found antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in 15/69 (21.74%) cats and 7/148 (4.73%) dogs.
For more information check our peer reviewed publication at micro-organism (MDPI).
As in people, animals often have mild clinical signs, or are asymptomatic, but there are also reports of fatal cases.
Why testing
By performing this test will allow you to know if your Cat has been infected with SARS-CoV-2. This test detects IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein (NP) and Spike (S) protein.
Please note, that IgG antibodies arise 2-3 weeks after infection and are maintained for some months.
Sample
2 mL blood in a dry tube or 1 mL of sera.
Turnaround time
Standard processing - Results in 2-5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory. Clients organise and support the costs of sending the samples to the laboratory.
PREMIUM processing - Results in 5 hours after sample arrival. Includes free express delivery** . The laboratory organises Express shipping with pick-up of the package at the client's address and delivery at the laboratory.
** PREMIUM SERVICES INCLUDE AN EXPRESS SHIPPING DELIVERY FOR EUROPEAN COUNTRIES FROM NON REMOTE REGIONS.
Check here to know if you are in a remote European region.
For remote regions EXTRA fees are applied.
References
*Barroso, R., Vieira-Pires, A., Antunes, A., & Fidalgo-Carvalho, I. (2022). Susceptibility of Pets to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lessons from a Seroepidemiologic Survey of Cats and Dogs in Portugal. Microorganisms, 10(2), 345. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020345
Main conclusions of the study:
- Cats that lived in COVID-19 positive households are at more risk to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and some cats can become ill or may die.
- Cat to cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is also a possibility. Cat that lived in COVID-19 negative households but lived in free range and contact with other cats also tested positive.
- If you test COVID-19 positive please avoid direct contact with your cat, or ware a mask.
- Serological testing should be performed 2-3 weeks after contact with a COVID-19 positive case.
- One to 2 weeks after contact with a COVID-19 positive case a molecular RT-qPCR is recommended. Please check more info about molecular tests for cats here .
For more information please check the coverage article of our scientific publication written by an independent professional.
If you would like to collaborate and participate in our study, please contact us at support@equigerminal.pt to find out if you qualify for the study and receive free testing for SARS-CoV-2.