Detection of SARS-CoV-۲ in household dogs and cats livingwith COVID-۱۹ infected owners by Real-time PCR during Delta andOmicron variant waves in Iran

Background and Aim : The animal origin of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-۲ led to adiscussion about the possible transmission of the disease to humans through animals. Theemergence of SARS-CoV-۲ infection in dogs and cats in different countries worldwide raisesconcerns that pets are at a higher risk for spreading or transmitting SARS-CoV-۲ to humans andother pets and increased the research about the zoonotic aspects and natural routs of infection incompanion animals.Methods : Detection of SARS-CoV-۲ in household dogs and cats living with COVID-۱۹ infectedowners was done by Real-time PCR from April ۲۰۲۱ to ۲۰۲۲ in the southeast of Iran, Kerman.Deep oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from ۲۰ cats and ۱۰ dogs.Results : Natural infection was detected in ۱۰% of household cats. This study indicated that closecontact with COVID-۱۹ infected owners could create a low risk of SARS-CoV-۲ transmission topet cats so infected owners should eagerly limit close contact with their pets during the infectionperiod.Conclusion : SARS-CoV-۲ could be transmitted from owners to their pets by hand-mouth, eyeconjunctiva, or by touching the nose with hands contaminated by saliva or respiratory droplets.Kissing, petting, or hugging pet animals may facilitate the transmission. Pet owners should applyhygienic measures during contact with their pets, and COVID-۱۹ infected owners should limitclose contact with pets. Although there is no evidence that dogs or cats can transmit SARS-CoV-۲ to humans, the usual precautionary measures should be urgently considered as part of globalcontrol and the ‘one health’ approach.