“While SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spreads mainly from person to person, it can also infect certain susceptible animals. This includes dogs and cats, nondomestic big cats, nonhuman primates, ferrets, and mink, among others. Natural infections have occurred in captive gorillas, Asian small-clawed otters, several big cat species at zoos and sanctuaries, and in farmed mink after being exposed to animal caretakers with COVID-19. Other animals (other nonhuman primates, as well as ferrets, deer mice, white-tailed deer, raccoon dogs, and tree shrews) have shown they are susceptible to infection under laboratory conditions. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have been found in some populations of free-ranging white-tailed deer. As research progresses, we continue learning more about if and how SARS-CoV-2 affects different species.”
U. S. D. A. aphis (2021, April). Animal Care Tech note – . Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_welfare/fsc-covid-animals.pdf
Additional Information Resources
- Animal Care Tech Note – Guidance for Zoos and Captive Wildlife Facilities: Protecting Susceptible Animals From SARS-CoV-2 Infection
- Questions and Answers: Results of Study on SARS-CoV-2 in White-Tailed Deer
- Widespread Coronavirus Infection Found in Iowa Deer, New Study Says
- Possible deer-to human COVID-19 transmission reported by Canadian researchers
- Are Deer In COVID’s Crosshairs? A new Texas A&M study indicates captive Texas deer can contract and likely transmit SARS-CoV-2 to each other.
- Hippos, hyenas, and other animals are contracting COVID-19
- SARS-CoV-2 in Animals
- 1st possible case of deer-to-human COVID-19 transmission reported
- Reducing the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Spreading between People and Wildlife
- Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership Category: COVID-19
- COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Captive Wildlife Facilities: Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquaria, and Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centers