The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in conjunction with the Department of Public Health is encouraging pet owners who believe their dog or cat might have been exposed to COVID to have them tested. Alma Roy, a consultant with the lab said the testing is free.
“If the owner would suspect that their dog has been exposed or has COVID. The owner would want to go to a veterinarian of their choice, and they would take the appropriate samples and the testing could be done,” said Roy.
Roy said this is part of a larger research program called One Health, that’s investigating the transmission of diseases between animals, humans, and the environment.
She said the test is not invasive whatsoever for your dog or cat and if you suspect they have symptoms or have been exposed, typically by their owner, call your veterinarian and ask to have them tested.
“A swab would be taken and sent to the lab. We will do a molecular diagnostic PCR test,” said Roy.
Roy said it typically takes 48 hours for results.
While COVID in pets is not common, Roy said however they want to understand more about the disease and its relationship with our four-legged friends.
“So we’re asking that anyone that even thinks about, maybe there was some kind of exposure that they have their animal tested.
Roy said they began testing July 1st and they haven’t seen an increase in positive cases, but they want to gather more samples in order to use all their resources from the CDC.
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