Coronavirus in a dog! is my pet in danger?

Coronavirus in a dog: One Pomeranian dog from Hong Kong managed to become famous, after scientists discovered traces of coronavirus on it. After confirmation that the dog owner was positive for the virus COVID-19, the dog was quarantined. They followed many tests performed on fluids collected from the dog's nose and neck and revealed a coronavirus.

The results have, of course, raised many questions and concerns. Can our dogs catch the virus? Should we worry about getting our pets sick? Could dogs spread the coronavirus to humans?

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A positive result for coronavirus in this dog simply means that a small viral genome was detected in a sample. PCR (a test used to γενετικού υλικού) είναι μια εξαιρετικά method , but is unable to tell us if the coronavirus infected the dog or if the dog simply licked contaminated surfaces in the house.

We do not yet know how long COVID-19, called SARS-CoV-2, can survive in the environment. A study for other coronaviruses it states that they can remain infectious for several days if the temperature and humidity are right. So since we don't even know whether the virus detected was infectious or not, we have no idea whether a rep of the virus in that particular dog.

We know that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by droplets, so it is very likely that dogs could function as "dirty tissues" that carry the virus around if proper hygiene is not maintained.

While the COVID-2 is in the spotlight today, in fact there are many different types of coronaviruses, and coronaviruses that infect dogs are not new.

The first coronavirus reported in dogs was 1974. Most recently in 2003, a new dog coronavirus was identified that caused respiratory disease to dogs at an animal shelter in the UK.

Although canine coronaviruses are different from SARS-CoV-2, dogs are clearly susceptible to this family of viruses. However, there are no previous cases of human coronaviruses infecting dogs or vice versa. In order for a virus to jump, there are many obstacles that must be overcome.

The main barrier that stops the virus from infecting a new type of animal is the surface of the host cell. To infect dog cells, SARS-CoV-2 must be able to bind to dog receptors. Thanks to a quick research, we know that SARS-CoV-2 uses proteins ACE2 and TMPRSS2 (PDF) to enter the cells. Dogs have them too these proteins, but they are not identical to human ones, so the virus may not be able to use them.

If we now assume that the virus can bind, enter and reproduce in dog cells, then it makes sense for dog owners to worry about whether their dogs will get sick. The reassuring thing is that Pomeranian dog from hong kong has not shown any worrying sign. Although it is an isolated case, there is no reason to believe that the human virus can cause disease in dogs at this stage.

Could dogs transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans?

In order for a dog to transmit the coronavirus, the virus must reproduce in dogs and be present at fairly high levels in the body. However, very low levels of the virus were detected in Pomeranian. What levels do a person need to become infected? We do not know yet.

We know about various other viruses that, although it is theoretically possible to transmit them from person to dog, are much easier to spread from person to person. We know that dogs are sensitive to the human neurovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.

However, despite the millions of cases of this virus each year, only one case of human-to-dog transmission has been reported. Complete genome sequencing was crucial in this case and is probably needed to conclusively demonstrate whether dogs can be infected with SARS-CoV-2.

But even if the worst case scenario is true and the corona can be bred in dogs at reasonable levels, it is safe to assume that you are much more likely to be infected by your neighbor than by your dog. However, it is essential that there is good hygiene around each pet.

This article was republished by The Conversation of Sarah L Caddy, Clinical Research Fellow in Viral Immunology and Veterinary Surgeon, at University of Cambridge with Creative Commons. Read it original article.

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