Publication date: Dec 05, 2024

Understanding SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in companion animals is critical for evaluating their role in viral transmission and their potential as sentinels for human infections. This large-scale serosurvey analyzed serum samples from 706 cats and 2,396 dogs collected across the USA in 2023 using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Overall, 5. 7% of cats and 4. 7% of dogs tested positive for antibodies, with younger animals (under 12 months) showing significantly lower seropositivity rates (p = 0. 0048). Additionally, we analyzed 153 positive samples for variant-specific antibody responses using six sVNT kits targeting the Delta variant and five Omicron sublineages. Among cats, 67. 5% showed antibodies to Delta, with positivity rates for Omicron sublineages as follows: BA. 1 (62. 5%), BA. 2 (42. 5%), BA. 4/BA. 5 (77. 5%), XBB (52. 5%), and XBB. 1.5 (45. 0%). In dogs, 55. 8% were positive for Delta, and Omicron sublineage rates were BA. 1 (46. 0%), BA. 4/BA. 5 (37. 2%), XBB (58. 4%), BA. 2 (13. 3%), and XBB. 1.5 (9. 7%). Given the close contact between companion animals and humans, and the persistence of antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 variants and sublineages, our findings suggest that seroprevalence in cats and dogs may serve as valuable tool for tracking COVID-19 epidemiology.

Semantics

Original Article