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Virology Journal
Published in: Virology Journal 1/2020

01-12-2020 | SARS-CoV-2 | Review

COVID-19 pandemic: current knowledge about the role of pets and other animals in disease transmission

Authors: Mulugeta Kiros, Henok Andualem, Teklehaimanot Kiros, Wasihun Hailemichael, Sisay Getu, Alene Geteneh, Derbie Alemu, Woldaregay Erku Abegaz

Published in: Virology Journal | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), a disease caused by a pathogen called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. This ongoing pandemic has now been reported in 215 countries with more than 23 million confirmed cases and more than 803 thousand deaths worldwide as of August 22, 2020. Although efforts are undergoing, there is no approved vaccine or any specific antiretroviral drug to treat COVID-19 so far. It is now known that SARS-CoV-2 can affect not only humans but also pets and other domestic and wild animals, making it a one health global problem. Several published scientific evidence has shown that bats are the initial reservoir hosts of SARS-CoV-2, and pangolins are suggested as an intermediate hosts. So far, little is known concerning the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, updated knowledge about the potential role of pets in the current outbreak will be of paramount importance for effective prevention and control of the disease. This review summarized the current evidence about the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19.
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Metadata
Title
COVID-19 pandemic: current knowledge about the role of pets and other animals in disease transmission
Authors
Mulugeta Kiros
Henok Andualem
Teklehaimanot Kiros
Wasihun Hailemichael
Sisay Getu
Alene Geteneh
Derbie Alemu
Woldaregay Erku Abegaz
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Virology Journal / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1743-422X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01416-9

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