Recently, the New York Times reported that a tiger in a New York City zoo has tested positive for the coronavirus, which indicated the first human-to-animal transmission in the United States. Many people, and by extension, Union residents, may worry about their pets either carrying COVID-19 or contracting COVID-19 from their pets. People should not worry about this, however, and no one should attempt to get rid of a pet because of one headline; everyone should instead look at the evidence and accept that facts that their pets are perfectly safe from this pandemic.
Because many different coronaviruses exist, some species of coronaviruses can transmit from animals to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Some coronaviruses that infect animals can sometimes be spread to humans and then spread between people, but this is rare.” This is extremely rare for coronaviruses, and COVID-19 is no exception. Although COVID-19 did follow the usual pattern of other coronaviruses when first infecting humans (originating in animals, specifically the live animal markets in China), the virus spreads from human transmission. The Centers of Disease Control also states that “there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 to people or that they might be a source of infection in the United States.” Therefore, pets are safe from the virus and will not transmit this to humans; there is no need to get rid of pets during this time. The evidence does not suggest that they are a source of infection, and the Centers for Disease control recommends taking all necessary precautions around pets that any would take under normal circumstances.
Since pets are not a source of infection, they can provide an invaluable sense of companionship during the government-mandated social distancing order. Under normal circumstances, the Centers for Disease Control states that “Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.” This can prove invaluable during these trying times when so many people are confined to their own properties for the most part. Furthermore, the Stay-At-Home order defines travel to care for a pet as essential travel, and veterinarians are essential services. Pets should still be care for and loved during these times; they will undoubtably help everyone through this pandemic.
Although some coronaviruses have originated and can infect animals, the evidence does not suggest that pets are a danger to anyone; people should not get rid of their pets just because one headline claims animal has contracted the disease. Pets do not deserve that fate. Furthermore, pets provide companionship while so many are at home under social distancing orders. Pets do not transmit COVID-19 to humans, and they mostly will not contract the virus from anyone. Pets are probably much more happy and thankful that their owners are at home, and everyone should give their pets proper attention and treat them well.
