Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in rectal swabs from dogs and cats in São João de Meriti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections have been reported in humans and various wild and domestic animals. The potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been demonstrated in animal models. This study focused on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in domestic dogs and cats in São João de Meriti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.This study investigated the potential for domestic dogs and cats to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Rectal swabs were collected from dogs and cats during routine veterinary visits between December 2020 and June 2021. Viral RNA was detected by real-time PCR, and Sanger sequencing was used to access the viral genome. A total of 650 samples were analyzed, with 48 (7.4%) testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The positivite rate was 7.7% in dogs and 8.3% in cats. Fourteen animals exhibited clinical signs resembling COVID-19, the most prevalent being lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. The highest number of positive cases was observed in January 2021. One sample was successfully sequenced and identified as the Gamma (P.1) lineage. To the author’s knowledge, this is the largest Brazilian survey of SARS-CoV-2 in animals. It suggested that dogs and cats might be without clinical signs or present with mild clinical signs. There is no evidence that dogs and cats can spread SARS-CoV-2 back to humans.