Abstract

HERNANDEZ-VALDIVIA, Emmanuel et al. Review: SARS-CoV-2 natural infection in animals. Abanico vet [online]. 2023, vol.13, e205.  Epub Oct 27, 2023. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2023.14.

The objective of this study was to evaluate epidemiological and pathological reports of confirmed outbreaks and cases of zoo, farm, and pet animals naturally infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Confirmed reports of outbreaks and cases of SARS-CoV-2 infected animals were obtained by systematically researching and analyzing information available in open access databases. The reports were evaluated, incorporated into a database, classified, and integrated to estimate average morbidity and mortality values and characteristic clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in animals. Postmortem lesions and microscopic alterations are also included. Diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives to confirm or mitigate infection in animals are outlined. Finally, control methods include isolation, culling of affected populations, and the development of the first available vaccines for animals. Available information suggests that domestic and zoo animals have become accidental hosts of SARS-CoV-2, becoming infected primarily through contact with COVID-19 affected humans; although there is concern that animals could become a risk for maintaining and spreading new mutant variants of the virus, which could eventually return to human populations.

Keywords : SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; zoonosis; animal infection.

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