No detection of SARS-CoV-2 in animals exposed to infected keepers: results of a COVID-19 surveillance program

Cerino, Pellegrino; Buonerba, Carlo; Brambilla, Gianfranco; Atripaldi, Luigi; Tafuro, Maria; Concilio, Denise Di; Vassallo, Lucia; Conte, Gabriella Lo; Cuomo, Maria Concetta; Maiello, Ivana; D'Auria, Jacopo; Cardinale, Davide; Viscardi, Maurizio; Rofrano, Giuseppe; Gallo, Alfonso; Brusco, Pasquale; Pizzolante, Antonio; Cicalese, Vittorio; Galdi, Pio; Galdi, Lydia; Vita, Sabato De; Volzone, Palmiero; Vuolo, Gabriele Di; Coppola, Annachiara; Pierri, Biancamaria; Fusco, Giovanna

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, has rarely been associated with transmission from humans to animals (reverse zoonotic transmission). In this retrospective study, the authors reviewed data obtained from 236 animals, including buffaloes, goats/sheep, horses, carrier pigeons, rabbits, hens, snakes, pigs and cows that were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection because they had been in contact with their SARS-CoV-2-positive breeder for at least 2 weeks. None of the tested animals were found to be positive. The authors' findings suggest that the risk of reverse zoonotic transmission among bred animals and SARS-CoV-2-positive breeders is very low or nonexistent. Additional studies are warranted.