Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic Animals

Abstract

Concerned with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study of this disease in animals has got a great scientific importance in clarifying the information about the source and circulation of the infection. The study aimed to investigate the source of infection of domestic animals (dog, cat, cattle, sheep, goat and poultry) with SARS-CoV-2, as well as to identify susceptible animal species and ways of transmission of the virus. Observations were made on the animals selected for the study, from which nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal smears were taken for PCR, and blood samples were taken for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The experimental part of the study was carried out in veterinary clinics, animal shelters and farms. Dogs and cats are kept in animal shelters and examined in veterinary clinics, as well as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry grown on various farms, were involved in the study. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 11 of 645 samples taken from animals whose clinical signs of COVID-19 disease were initially observed or whose owners were exposed to the disease. Based on the results of the study, monitoring the dynamics of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among animals is of great scientific and practical importance in preventing this process.