Scientists call for urgent need to study Covid-19 impact on pets, livestock

New York: Scientists have called for the urgent need for research to understand the potential impacts of COVID-19 in certain animal species, the transmissibility of infection between humans and those animals, and the impact infection could have on food security and the economy.

In a study from Western University of Health Sciences in the US, published in the journal Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease, the scientists focused on companion animals, livestock and poultry, working animals such as military service dogs, and zoo species.

"We are now faced with many urgent questions that can only be answered through investigative studies and surveillance," the authors wrote. The researchers identify three urgent issues to consider: the potential for domesticated animals to transmit the infection to humans and to contribute to community spread of disease; the impact on food security, economy, and trade if livestock and poultry are affected by a coronavirus.

And the effect on national security if the virus infects military service dogs and impairs their sense of smell, often used for tracking and to detect explosives and narcotics.

The research team said stringent studies are needed, with robust data collection, and not just anecdotal evidence. Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have all already tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.