Coronavirus: a cat tested positive for Covid-19 in France

Text by: RFI Follow

New information about the coronavirus arrives daily. This time, it concerns animals. For the first time in France, a cat has tested positive for Covid-19, which confirms that contamination from human to animal is possible.

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Animals are therefore not spared the pandemic. For the first time in France, a cat has tested positive for Covid-19, as revealed by a study carried out by several French reference establishments, notably the Pasteur Institute and the National Veterinary School of Alfortville, in the Paris region.

The researchers, with the help of several Ile de France veterinarians, carried out analyzes on a dozen cats suspected of being contaminated. And one of them therefore presented "  respiratory and digestive disorders  ".

According to the ENVA, the animal was contaminated because it lived with a person himself carrying the virus. Extremely rare until now. Since the start of the pandemic, only a few cases worldwide have been identified: in Belgium, New York or Hong Kong.

In its press release, the veterinary school recalls that "  there is still no evidence that these pets can contaminate humans in return  ". But she still recommends applying the rules of social distancing with them.

► To listen and read also: Coronavirus and pets: what you need to know

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