Oz Scientists Develop Coronavirus Vaccine For Animals, Trials On Pets To Start Soon

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person, but it can also spread from person to animal. SARS-CoV-2 infections in pets, including cats and dogs, have been reported worldwide. The majority of these animals got the virus from an infected household, caretaker, or others who were in close contact with COVID-19. Concerned about your canine companion? The good news is: Scientists in Oz have developed a coronavirus vaccine for animals, which will be tested on pets soon.

COVAX-19 has been adapted for animals by Nikolai Petrovsky, a professor at Flinders University, in collaboration with veterinarian Sam Kovac. COVAX-19, developed by Petrovsky, has been administered to millions of people in Iran and is currently awaiting approval.

The scientist told News Corp Australia on Friday that because COVAX-19 is based on human vaccine technology that has safely administered over 6 million doses, they are confident that it would also be very safe for pets.

Covid-19 infection in animals: What to Look Out For

Animals, like humans, can contract Covid-19 through direct contact with and handling by an infected human, according to Petrovsky.

While some animals may only have a mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 infection, in severe cases, it can lead to myocarditis, pericarditis, and respiratory failure, according to the researcher.

According to the US CDC, pets infected with Covid-19 may or may not become ill, and the majority of pets who have become ill have only had mild illness and have fully recovered. Fever, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy (unusual lack of energy or sluggishness), sneezing, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, vomiting, and diarrhoea are all symptoms of COVID-19 infection in pets.

According to the US CDC, SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted from humans to animals through close contact, but the risk of animals transmitting COVID-19 to humans is low. It advises people who have COVID-19, whether suspected or confirmed, to avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

It is unknown whether all animals can become infected with Covid-19. Infections with COVID-19 have been reported in domesticated animals such as pet cats, dogs, and ferrets, as well as animals in zoos and sanctuaries such as big cats, otters, non-human primates, a binturong, a coatimundi, and a fishing cat.