SARS-CoV-2 Research in Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and Felines (Felis silvestris catus) Domiciled in an International Border Region (Paraguay and Brazil).

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has become a serious threat to public health owing to its rapid spread from aerosols from infected people. Despite being considered a strictly human disease, there are reports in the literature about animals with confirmed presence of the virus. Aim: Owing to the scarcity of scientific literature on the potential for infection of animals and their importance for One Health, the objective of this work was to research SARS-CoV-2 RNA in felines (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) domiciled. Materials and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from domestic dogs and cats belonging to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from August to October 2021 and residents of the northwest and west regions of Paraná, Brazil. Results: Of the 34 samples collected, 14 were from dogs and 20 from cats. Three of these samples tested positive in real-time PCR, and two of them were also positive in the immunochromatographic test. After testing positive in real-time PCR, the samples underwent genetic sequencing using the Illumina COVIDSeq test. Of the 34 samples collected, three (9%), all of them female and from the feline species, tested positive in real-time PCR, with two of these (67%) also testing positive in the immunochromatographic test. Regarding sequencing, it was possible to sequence the three samples aligned with the AY.101 lineage, corresponding to the Delta variant. Conclusion: The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats is seen as an unintended event with significant implications for public health, including its potential transmission to other animal species. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of how this disease spreads among these animals and its broader impact on One Health initiatives.