Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) from a fully vaccinated human to a canine in Georgia, July 2021.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been described in a wide range of species, including domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Illness in dogs is usually self-limiting, and further diagnostics may not be pursued if clinical signs resolve or they respond to empirical treatment. As new variants emerge, the clinical presentation and role in transmission may vary in animals. This report highlights different clinical presentations and immunological responses in two SARS-CoV-2 Delta-variant-positive dogs with similar exposure to the same fully vaccinated human with a SARS-CoV-2 infection and emphasizes the need for active surveillance and additional One Health research on SARS-CoV-2 variant infections in companion animals and other species.

Determining the role of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in the death of domestic pets: 10 cases (2020-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To establish a pathoepidemiological model to evaluate the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first 10 companion animals that died while infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the US. ANIMALS: 10 cats and dogs that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and died or were euthanized in the US between March 2020 and January 2021. PROCEDURES: A standardized algorithm was developed to direct case investigations, determine the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and evaluate the role, if any, that SARS-CoV-2 infection played in the animals' course of disease and death. Using clinical and diagnostic information collected by state animal health officials, state public health veterinarians, and other state and local partners, this algorithm was applied to each animal case. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 was an incidental finding in 8 animals, was suspected to have contributed to the severity of clinical signs leading to euthanasia in 1 dog, and was the primary reason for death for 1 cat. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This report provides the global community with a standardized process for directing case investigations, determining the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and determining the clinical significance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals with fatal outcomes and provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can, in rare circumstances, cause or contribute to death in pets.

Risk factors associated with leptospirosis in dogs from Northern California: 2001-2010.

The present study was performed to identify risk factors for canine leptospirosis at a tertiary referral institution in northern California from 2001 through 2010 and to describe case characteristics. In this retrospective case-control study, 67 dogs with leptospirosis and 271 controls were evaluated at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Davis, CA) from March, 2001 , through November, 2010. Medical records of cases and controls were analyzed to identify signalment, exposure history, and clinical signs that increased the risk for a diagnosis of leptospirosis. Among cases, most were vomiting and lethargic and had leukocytosis and azotemia. Total white cell count, neutrophil count, and monocyte count were higher in dogs with leptospirosis, whereas the platelet count was lower. Serum concentrations of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and bilirubin were elevated in dogs with leptospirosis as well. On average, case dogs were hospitalized for 11 days and had hospital bills exceeding $5000. Mortality was 13% of case dogs, with the predominant serovar being Pomona. Dogs with leptospirosis were more likely to reside in the central or south coast (odds ratio [OR]=7.33), Sierra Nevada foothills (OR=4.50), San Francisco Bay area (OR=4.2), and north coast (OR=2.85) of California when compared with controls. Dogs 5-10 years old (OR=3.22) or over 10 years old (OR=2.76) and herding (OR=3.1) or hound breed (OR=4.6) dogs were more likely to have leptospirosis than the control group. Leptospirosis was associated with acute renal failure in older, undervaccinated dogs. The regional distribution, large breed predisposition, and finding of predominantly Pomona serovar suggest wildlife or other contacts as an important route of exposure. Knowledge of risk factors, vaccination history, and clinical signs can increase an index of suspicion for leptospirosis and contribute to improved strategies for prevention of leptospirosis in dogs, understanding of the ecology of the disease for all species, and protection of human health.

Spatial and temporal patterns of Leptospira infection in dogs from northern California: 67 cases (2001-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an epidemiological analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of canine leptospirosis cases in northern California and detect spatial clustering in any region. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS: 67 dogs with leptospirosis and 271 control dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of case and control dogs were reviewed. Spatial coordinates of home addresses of the study population were analyzed visually and statistically via a Cuzick-Edwards test and spatial, temporal, and space-time permutation scan statistics. RESULTS: Cases were distributed around the San Francisco Bay region as well as in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Sacramento, Calif, whereas controls were principally distributed along route I-80 between San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif. Clustering was found for the second through sixth nearest neighboring cases via the global spatial cluster test. A local spatial cluster of 30 cases was identified in San Francisco (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 7.0), and a temporal cluster of 18 cases was identified from May 2003 through May 2004 (95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 6.5). No significant space-time cluster was identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of geographic information systems provided a visual representation of the results of statistical analysis for the location and time at which leptospirosis cases occurred. This useful tool can be used to educate veterinary practitioners and the public about a potentially fatal zoonotic disease and direct vaccination strategies to help prevent disease occurrence.