Statement: First Pets To Test Positive For COVID-19 In United States
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Gwyn Donohue, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected], 202-452-1525 x1080
Statement from Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council President and CEO Mike Bober on First Pets to Test Positive for COVID-19 in United States
“We at the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council have learned from the public health experts at USDA and CDC of two confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in pet cats in New York state. It is important that the public remain confident in the USDA and CDC guidance that there continues to be no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States and therefore there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have safely brought pets into their homes both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the human-animal bond continues to provide them with comfort, stress relief and other scientifically-proven emotional and physical health benefits during this unprecedented crisis. The responsible pet care community is committed to protecting the health and well-being of humans and pets, and urges everyone to follow CDC’s advice to keep pets from interacting with people or animals outside your household, and to consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pets’ health.”