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In summary, although the research is limited and new findings Disclaimer
regarding transmission, treatment, and other aspects of SARS- The information and views expressed in this article are those
CoV-2 and COVID-19 happen daily, at present: of the authors based on cited resources and currently available
evidence; they do not reflect the official policy or position of
• COVID-19 is primarily a disease transmitted between any local, state, or federal governmental or nongovernmental
humans. entity.
• K9-to-human transmission, although theoretically pos-
sible via fomites, is considered minimal, if at all; to date, Disclosure
there are no identified cases of K9-to-human transmis- The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest to
sion via fomite or zoonosis. disclose.
• Human-to-K9 transmission, although rare, seems more
likely. Only three dogs worldwide have tested posi- Author Contributions
tive for SARS-CoV-2. In all cases, the dogs lived with All authors contributed to the design, writing, editing and ap-
COVID-19–positive owners and developed an immune proval of the manuscript.
response. In only one case did clinical disease develop.
• Dogs have a low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the References
virus is considered to replicate poorly in dogs. This is 1. Adhanom Ghebreyesus T. World Health Organization Director-
General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 –
due, in part, to a low density of ACE2-binding proteins 11 March 2020. World Health Organization press release.
within the dog’s respiratory tract. Viral binding to the https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general
host ACE2 protein is required for viral entry into cells. -s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19---11
• Currently, there is only one case that suggests OpK9s -march-2020 Accessed 28 May 2020.
could potentially be at risk of developing clinical dis- 2. Wee SL, McNeil Jr DG, Hernández JC. W.H.O. declares global
ease. There are no data or evidence to suggest that an emergency as Wuhan coronavirus spreads. The New York
infected K9 plays any role in the spread of the virus to Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/30/health/coronavirus
-world-health-organization.html. Accessed 28 May 2020.
other animals or to people. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease
• Consider decontaminating OpK9s and their outerwear 2019 (COVID-19). April 19, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/corona
(e.g., harnesses, ballistic vests, leashes, collars), kennels, virus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html. Accessed April 20,
vehicles, and other items (e.g., toys, bowls) to reduce 2020.
any theoretical fomite transmission, as well as decreas- 4. Zhou P, Yang XL, Wang XG, et al. A pneumonia outbreak as-
ing reducing the K9’s possibility of infection. sociated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin. Nature.
2020;579(7798):270–273.
• If the OpK9 tests positive for COVID-19, notify the 5. Shi J, Wen Z, Zhong G, et al. Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs,
OpK9’s veterinarian immediately to ensure reporting of and other domesticated animals to SARS-coronavirus 2. Science
the case and formulation of plan of care. 2020;368(6494):1016–1020.
• Resumption of K9 duties is determined by the agency in 6. Wu D, Wu T, Liu Q, et al. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: what we
consultation with the veterinarian. know. Int J Infect Dis 2020;94:44–48.
• If the handler/caregiver becomes infected with COVID- 7. Palmer L. Operational K9 Tactical Emergency Casualty Care
(K9-TECC) Training and K9 Individual First Aid Kits (K9-IFAK)
19, they should limit direct contact with the OpK9 and White Paper. 29 September 2015. http://www.specialoperations
transfer primary care and duties to a temporary handler/ medicine.org/Documents/K9%20Documents/Operational%20
caregiver. K9%20TECC%20%20IFAK%20White%20Paper-Final%20
dated%2029%20Sep%202015.pdf. Accessed 10 April 2020.
As with any emerging disease, many unknowns remain. The 8. Zhai X, Sun J, Yan Z, et al. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 spike pro-
best action for any OpK9 handler is to follow the CDC guide- tein binding to ACE2 receptors from human, pets, farm animals,
and putative intermediate hosts. J Virol. 2020;94(15):e00831-20
lines for personal self-hygiene, including limiting interaction 9. American Veterinary Medical Association. SARS-CoV-2 in an-
with pets and washing hands before and after handling pets imals. May 29, 2020. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools
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is good practice aside from COVID-19 for reducing handler -pets. Accessed 2 June 2020.
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/human-animal-covid-19-spread-not-common
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Recommended Reading Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2334-5
American Veterinary Medical Association. SARS-CoV-2 in 12. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspec-
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim guidance for 13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus
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in home care and isolation who have pets or other animals. 14. Doremalen NV, Bushmaker T, Morris DH, et al. Aerosol and
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