Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats: Results of a retrospective serological survey in Šumadija District, Serbia

It has long been known that coronaviruses cause various infectious diseases in animals. Although SARS-CoV-2 is genetically related to viruses isolated from Rhinolophus bats, the exact origin, mode of transmission, and how the human species has become the epidemiological reservoir of the virus have not yet been established with certainty. Although the main route of transmission is human-to-human, there are considerable numbers of reported cases of infection in animal species, predominantly among pet animals. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in dogs and cats during the COVID-19 pandemic in Šumadija District, Serbia. We used serology to identify household contacts of pet animals with infected pet owners and the degree of association. The study presented in this paper is also the first study of this type in Serbia. The results of a retrospective serosurvey, which was conducted in dogs and cats with different exposure risk factors, were analyzed to find the possible modes of transmission between humans and animals. The relative frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs was 1.45% bounded with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.0007–7.73%, while in cats, it was 5.56% (95% CI: 0.77–4.13%). The relative frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet owners was 11% (95% CI: 6.25–18.63%). In pets that were in close contact with COVID-19 positive owners, the seropositivity was found to be 9%. Out of a total of five stray dogs and cats tested, seropositivity was observed in two animals. Detected SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets shows that these animals are susceptible to infection and that the most common means of virus transmission to pets is through contact with diseased owners. However, the presence of infection in stray dogs and cats is not clear and needs further research. •Companion animals that are in close contact (indoor) with infected owners are at higher risk of becoming infected.•Cats are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than dogs.•There is no evidence that companion animals might serve as a significant source of infection for people.•Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats could be useful as an additional instrument for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 circulation.