Epidemiološki aspekt prenosa virusa SARS-COV-2 sa čoveka na kućnog ljubimca u vremenskom periodu od 2020 do 2022

Abstract

During the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Serbia, 41 domestic dogs and cats were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in humans or confirmation of past infection with this virus (determination of the presence of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2). During the period of research 2020-2022 and monitoring the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from humans to pets, there were various epidemiological data on the possibility of infecting humans and their pets. At the time of the survey, pet owners (41) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus during pet collection for sampling and diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 virus / past RT-PCR infection and ELISA method. It is important to note that the owners had different immune and the infectious status during the study period of their pets (the owners were vaccinated or unvaccinated, became ill or had Covid-19. Some of the clients surveyed had symptoms of Covid-19 but they did not consult a doctor, and their pets became infected at the time of contact in the house. For such owners, we considered that they had contact with an infected person and that, based on the appearance of clinical symptoms, they contacted the veterinarian further because of the care of their pet and the possible transmission of the infection to him. In pets of the mentioned owners, SARSCoV- 2 was diagnosed at the time of testing the pet as a currently present infection or as a past infection based on the detection of specific antibodies. In the waves of the epidemic in the Republic of Serbia, the reinfection of owners who were previously vaccinated was confirmed, with confirmed and unconfirmed infection in pets after testing by RTPCR and ELISA methods. The pets that became ill during these periods were of different ages, different species and different breeds. The owners of these pets who fell ill during that period were also of different ages. The research was done at the level of the city of Belgrade, and positive findings in pets were determined in periods when the number of patients was at the expected higher peak. This type of testing tool finds its use in moments when we have little knowledge about the way the virus is transmitted from humans to pets to apply preventive procedures due to the existing risk of getting sick during work. For the application of preventive procedures during the collection and work with pets from houses where people are sick or there is a suspicion based on symptoms reported by the owner to the veterinarian, the existing regulations are adequate both in our country and in the world. All these types of information are supported by an adequate survey used in outpatient settings (Zeleni venac vet), and certificates for pet owners that came from officially approved laboratories (Institute of public health of Serbia-Batut, City Institute of Public Health, etc.). Although according to the obtained data and knowledge, the probability of infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus from cats/dogs to humans is very low, there is a high possibility of occupational disease in contact with veterinarians and animal owners in case of inadequate preventive measures.