NCOH webinar ‘COVID-19 and companion animals’
Date & time: 25 February 2021, 5 pm – 6 pm (CET)
Location: Zoom (you will receive a link prior to the webinar)
Human-to-human transmission is the driver of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 can infect other animal species remains of concern. Partners within NCOH have started to research the role of companion animals in potential virus transmissions. In this webinar we present the latest results.
Sensitivity to SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated in several countries for some animal species, especially cat- and martenaceans. In the research on infected mink farms cats were also tested. In three out of eleven infected mink farms cats antibodies against COVID-19 were detected. Combined with the publications that showed susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in cats in other countries, it is important to research the role of cats in potential virus transmission of this respiratory tract infection. In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) has asked for research into (virus) transmission in cats and dogs by collaborating research groups within the Netherlands Centre for One Health (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University Utrecht, Wageningen University & Research, Erasmus MC and research centres in human health care).
The experts in this webinar are
- Prof. Arjan Stegeman, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, project leader of Fighting COVID-19 in animals and humans, a one health approach
- Dr. Els Broens, director of the Veterinary Microbiological Diagnostic Center (VMDC) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University. Her expertise is in clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses and one health.
- Dr. Herman Egberink, Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunoloy Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University
Moderator
The moderator of the webinar will be Maarten Hoek, Communications manager NCOH.
More information about research on COVID-19 and companion animals
- More about the project: Fighting COVID-19 in animals and humans, a One Health approach
- COVID-19 in uw huishouden? Voorzorgsmaatregelen rondom huisdieren – Nieuws – Universiteit Utrecht (uu.nl) (only in Dutch)
Unable to join us live?
The webinar will be recorded. The full meeting including powerpoint presentations will be available afterwards on the NCOH channels.