Dr. Ernie Ward

Will the ability to test dogs, cats, and ferrets for the COVID-19 virus bring comfort or confusion to pet parents? As with nearly everything related to COVID-19, it’s complicated, complex, and downright confusing. Let me explain why I think this is a good move for Idexx, and how it may help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

On April 20, 2020, Idexx Laboratories announced it would make available its SARS-CoV-2 test beginning to North American veterinarians and worldwide in the coming weeks.

This is an apparent reversal of their recommendation on March 13 “against testing pets for the COVID-19 virus.” At that time, CEO Jay Mazelsky stated, “Should leading health authorities determine it is clinically relevant to test pets for the COVID-19 virus, IDEXX will be ready to make the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 RealPCR™ Test available.”

To date, as far as I can determine, no health authority in any country has recommended any animal be tested for COVID-19. Mazelsky responded, “While there is currently no evidence that dogs or cats play a role in transmitting the disease to humans, it became clear offering the test was the right thing to do when we saw clinical evidence that pets—especially cats and ferrets—can in rare cases be at risk for infection. And, we heard from our customers around the globe that veterinarians needed a testing option." I agree. 

First, let’s start with what Idexx Laboratories is testing for. Idexx claims to have created and validated “on 5,000 specimens for the COVID-19 virus, from cats, dogs, and horses with respiratory symptoms in 17 countries.”

As of today, IDEXX has found no positive results in any companion animal. This data strongly suggests that dogs and cats living in households with people with COVID-19 infections generally remain uninfected, except in rare and isolated cases. 

The test identifies genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on published genetic sequencing results. It does not not indicate whether or not the animal has an active infection nor if the virus was viable when the sample was obtained. Theoretically an animal that tested positive could have viral genetic material on it or in its body that was not replicating or infectious. I’ve discussed previously how these “incidental positive test results” could mislead pet parents into thinking pets could develop or transmit COVID-19.

As a reminder, to date there has never been a case of pet-to-human COVID-19 transmission nor original SARS infection dating back to 2003.

I think the fact that Idexx and others were able to quickly bring a validated animal SARS-CoV-2 PCR test to market is comforting as a veterinarian. I think the potentially confusing aspect of this announcement is when to test a pet. At this time, animals should not be tested unless recommended by a public health authority. 

Before this new test should be considered, at least three diagnostic criteria must be met:

1. Pet is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for the virus

2. Pet has already been tested for more common infections

3. Pet, especially cats and ferrets, is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19

Because this test is completely different from the human COVID-19 test, Idexx says it will have no impact on human testing availability. They also point out that they have also developed a human COVID-19 PCR test enabled by their expertise in PCR development and manufacturing. 

Great work to Idexx for developing a SARS-CoV-2 test for animals. I’m comforted knowing veterinary diagnostics companies are able to keep up with human diagnostics. I also understand some pet parents and media will be confused by this development, and many veterinarians will begin receiving calls from nervous owners anxious to have their pet tested.

My best advice is educate yourself on the new COVID-19 animal testing protocols, keep updated on breaking veterinary news, and over-communicate with your clients during this pandemic. Veterinary professionals need to stay ahead of these complex news stories, and calm the concerns of worried pet parents.

There’s a lot of “corona confusion” out there on the internet that we are the best source of truth for both the media and the pet-loving public.

I’ll keep doing my part by sharing content like this with my veterinary colleagues around the globe. Stay safe out there, and give your pets a hug from me!