Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for the COVID-19, marking the first confirmed cases in pet animals in the United States.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed COVID-19 in two pet cats in New York and they are first pets in the U.S to be tested positive.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed COVID-19 in two pet cats in New York and they are first pets in the U.S to be tested positive.Two cats from separate areas of New York state have been tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The first cat showed a mild respiratory illness and no individuals in the house were confirmed to COVID-19, the virus might have been transmitted by asymptomatic household members or by any infected person outside the home. Further, the samples of the second cat were taken when it showed respiratory illness and the owner of the cat had been tested positive for the COVID-19 prior to the cat showing signs

Public health officials are studying the COVID-19 virus and there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus in the United States, the state animal health and public health officials will take the lead to decide whether animals should be tested for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.