Although **SARS-CoV-2** is widely accepted to have originated from animals, the ongoing pandemic has focused primarily on human transmission. However, a **prospective surveillance study** by **E. Krafft and colleagues**, conducted from **April 2020 to April 2021**, highlights that companion animals may still play a subtle role in the virus’s ecology.
The study screened **367 samples** from dogs and cats across France with varying degrees of exposure risk and clinical symptoms. **Only four animals tested positive**, and all were cats. While three of the infected cats were asymptomatic, one exhibited a mild upper respiratory condition resembling **coryza**.
Crucially, full genomic sequencing of one positive case revealed the **SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant**, marking the **first documented detection of this variant in a French cat**. The viral genomes confirmed a close relationship to human-derived Alpha sequences, supporting the likelihood of **human-to-animal transmission**.
Despite these findings, the study reinforces the **low prevalence of viral shedding in companion animals**, especially dogs, and suggests that **pets are not significant contributors** to community-level SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Nevertheless, the identification of a known variant in a domestic animal raises questions about potential reservoirs and **animal roles in viral evolution**.
The authors advocate for ongoing **virological and genomic surveillance** in pets, particularly during times of high human case numbers or the emergence of new variants. As the virus continues to mutate, ensuring that animals do not become unnoticed hosts is a critical aspect of **One Health strategies** that bridge human and veterinary public health.
Source: E. Krafft, S. Denolly, B. Boson, S. Angelloz-Pessey, S. Levaltier, N. Nesi, S. Corbet, B. Leterrier, M. Fritz, E. Leroy, M. A. Gouilh, F. Cosset, A. Kodjo, V. Legros. Published in Viruses, Volume 13, September 1, 2021.
