The United States (US) has reported that two cats have tested positive for Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
US Department of Agriculture in a joint statement with the country’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, 22nd April, said the two cats tested positive for COVID-19 in New York.
According to the agencies, the two cats were tested after showing respiratory symptoms.
CNN reported that a veterinarian tested the first house cat after it showed mild respiratory signs.
The second cat, in a separate area of New York, was also tested after it showed signs of respiratory illness.
However, the owner of the pet was said to have tested positive for the virus.
The statement reads: “These are the first pets in the United States to test positive.”
The agencies, however, to clear doubts, stated that there is no evidence linking pets to the spread of COVID-19 in the US.
“There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare,” they said.
