COLUMBIA, SC – A Charleston County dog has been confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.
Dr. Boyd Parr, state veterinarian and director of Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), said that a private veterinarian decided to test the dog – an 8 or 9 year old shepherd mix – for SARS-CoV-2 after one of his was confirmed that the owners have COVID-19.
Veterinary findings indicated that the dog had a chronic health condition.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the virus in the dog on July 9. Prevention (CDC) to ensure that any information relevant to COVID-19 is documented.
“Based on current knowledge, there is no evidence that pets play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people,” said Parr. “It is still a good idea to restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just as you do with other people, if you are infected with COVID-19 to protect them from exposure to the virus, as recommended by the CDC.”
The dog had to be euthanized due to its chronic condition, said Parr.
This is the first confirmed detection of SARS-CoV-2 in animals in South Carolina. A list of all confirmed cases in the United States, tracked by the USDA, can be viewed online: https://www.aphis.usda.gov / aphis / ourfocus / animalhealth / sa_one_health / sars-cov-2-animals-us.
Routine tests on animals are not recommended at this time. The CDC includes more information on how to test animals on its website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/animals/animal-testing.html.
The decision to test an animal, including pets, livestock and wild or zoo animals, must be made in consultation with and with the approval of animal and public health officials, according to the CDC.
For more information about the virus in animals and recommendations for pet owners, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/animals/pets-other-animals.html.
If you have questions about COVID-19, visit https://www.scdhec.gov/covid19.
Clemson LPH, a state regulatory agency, is part of the university’s Public Service and Agriculture unit. Its mission is to protect animal health by controlling endemic, foreign and emerging diseases in livestock and poultry and to protect the health of SC consumers by inspecting meat and poultry products to ensure they are safe, healthy and accurately labeled.
Its Veterinary Diagnostic Center in Columbia assists veterinarians, the animal industry and animal owners, identifying diseases that affect livestock, birds, pets and wildlife. The center is an integral part of a disease surveillance system that helps ensure a safe and adequate supply of food and protects the health of South Carolinaians.
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