Here is the information directly form the CDC. We will update you with any changes, but this is currently the most recent information regarding Covid-19 and animals. You can view the entire article here

Updated March 25, 2021

What you need to know

  • We do not know the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but we know that it originally came from an animal, likely a bat.

  • At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people.

  • Based on the available information to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

  • More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.

  • We are still learning about this virus, but we know that it can spread from people to animals in some situations, especially during close contact.

  • People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

Questions about COVID-19 and Animals?

See COVID-19 Pets and Animals Frequently Asked Questions.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, infect only animals and do not infect people.

Risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people

Some coronaviruses that infect animals can be spread to people and then spread between people, but this is rare. This is what happened with SARS-CoV-2, which likely originated in bats. Early reports of infections were linked to a live animal market in Wuhan, China, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.

SARS-CoV-2 spreads easily from person to person. People who are physically near (within 6 feet) a person with COVID-19 or have direct contact with that person are at greatest risk of infection.   At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people. Based on the available information to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by SARS-CoV-2.

For more information, visit CDC’s COVID-19 and Animals webpage and Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.