What does the evidence for COVID-19 in dogs and cats point to? An investigation in the literature

Abstract

In view of current COVID-19 pandemic scenario, uncertainties still remains around the role of domestic animals on COVID-19 epidemiology, this systematic review aims to present the scientific evidence available, so far, on dogs and cats epidemiological role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses – PRISMA. Selected studies reports negative results of dogs and cats both in serological tests, for the detection of neutralizing antibodies, and in tests that investigated the presence of the SARS-CoV2 RNA. We verified the lack of national studies, which serves as a motivation for more research to be carried out in Brazil. In Brazil, in the animals tested, 5.4 and 6.2% of cats and dogs were positive, respectively. Few studies, so far, have been carried out with stray animals or animals belonging to shelters. This absence of broad conducted studies on animal interface enphasizes the need for more research with animals in vulnerable conditions, since they can contribute to the spread of the disease if they are confirmed as positive for SARS-COV-2. The compilation of data, through this systematic review of the literature, to date suggests that dogs and cats are not factors of viral spread to humans. However, further studies are still recommended.