The Chilean study is marking a milestone in research on transmission between humans and animals.
11/09/2024 – 19:41hs CLT
© IMAGO/Cavan ImagesIs COVID-19 possible in animals? Chilean scientists respond
For the first time in the world, a team of Chilean scientists has discovered that the COVID-19 can be transmitted from humans to petsspecifically to dogs.
This surprising finding reveals that The virus has the ability to jump between speciesalthough animals do not pose a significant risk of infection to humans.
The Omicron variant in dogs
The study, conducted by researchers at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of the University of Chiledetected the Omicron BA.4.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs.
The analysis It took place between March 2021 and March 2023, evaluating 65 samples from pets that lived with people infected with the virus.
He 6% of pets tested positivewhich confirms that, although rare, Transmission from humans to animals is possible.
However, the leader of the investigation, Victor Neirastressed that the low percentage of infection could be related to the High human vaccination rates in Chilewhich indirectly protects pets.
This discovery is a key advance in the study of animal and human health, as it demonstrates that COVID-19 can mutate in new variants that affect companion animals.
- In addition, it highlights the need to take protective measures not only for people, but also for pets during future health crises.
Although the The risk of pets infecting humans is lowthis study sets a precedent in the field of vet and the epidemiologyThe results have been published in the prestigious journal Veterinary Quarterlypositioning Chile at the forefront of research on the interspecies transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
This finding underscores the interconnection between human and animal health, reinforcing the importance of protecting all members of the household, including our beloved furry friends!
