This variant competed rapidly with variants already existing in England due to increased infectivity and infectivity.
The study describes the first identification of the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant in domestic animals; two cats and one dog were positive in the PCR test, while two other cats and one dog developed antibodies two to six weeks after developing signs of heart disease. Many owners of these pets had developed respiratory symptoms several weeks before their pet became ill and also had a positive COVID-19 test.
All of these pets had acute heart disease, including severe myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
โOur study reports the first cases of cats and dogs that have received the COVID-19 alpha variant and highlights more than ever the risk that companion animals may become infected with SARS-CoV-2,โ said the studyโs lead researcher. Luca Ferasin, DVM, PhD, The Ralph Veterinary Referral Center, UK.
“We also reported atypical clinical manifestations characterized by severe cardiac abnormalities, a well-known complication in humans with COVID-19, but never before described in pets. However, COVID-19 infection in pets is still a relatively rare condition. and based on our findings, it appears that the infection occurs from humans to pets, and not the other way around, โLuca said.
Source: ANI
Source: The Nordic Page