A Charleston County dog has been confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, according to a press release from Clemson University veterinary researcher.
Dr. Boyd Parr, state veterinarian and director of Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), said a private veterinarian decided to test the dog, an 8- or 9-year-old shepherd mix, for SARS-CoV-2 after one of its owners was confirmed to have COVID-19.
On July 9 USDA laboratories confirmed the virus in the dog.
Veterinary findings indicated the dog had an underlying chronic health condition and had to be euthanized.
“Based on current knowledge, there continues to be no evidence that pets play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people,” Parr said in the news release. “It remains a good idea to restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you do with other people if you are infected with COVID-19 in order to protect them from exposure to the virus as recommended by the CDC.”
Parr said this is the first confirmed animal detection of SARS-CoV-2 in South Carolina and routine testing of animals is not recommended at this time.
The CDC includes more information about testing animals here.
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