Los Angeles County SARS-CoV-2 Testing for Animals – Department of Public Health

 

 
HAS YOUR PET BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19? FREE TESTING OF PETS AVAILABLE *(see below for details)
 
Veterinary Public Health has received funding from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in animals in Los Angeles County.  SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.  This project will help us to learn more about COVID-19 from a One Health perspective, meaning that we can learn more about the significance of COVID-19 in human, animal, and environmental relationships.
 
Some of the funds will support local testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2.  We will partner with and offer free testing to various animal care facilities and agencies throughout LA County.  Our goal is to test many different species of animals including wildlife (deer, bats, raccoons), pets (dogs, cats, hamsters, pocket pets), marine mammals (seals), and more. 
 
For questions or to contact us about testing an animal for SARS-CoV-2:
Email us at [email protected] or
Call us at 213-288-7060 (ask to speak to the veterinarian-on-call) – Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
 
For veterinarians and animal care facilities: 
If you are interested in testing animals for SARS-CoV-2 through this grant, please contact us to request test kits
To report a SARS-CoV-2 positive or suspect animal, complete this reporting form and submit to [email protected].
 
*For pet owners:
To find out if your pet can be tested for SARS-CoV-2 through this grant, please contact us or your veterinarian.  Your pet may be eligible for free testing if the following apply:
Your pet was exposed to either a human or another animal with COVID-19 (for example your dog lives in a household of people recently diagnosed with COVID-19).
Your pet has symptoms of COVID-19 and was exposed to either a human or another animal with COVID-19 (for example, you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick).
Symptoms of COVID-19 in animals may include:
Fever
Coughing
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Lethargy (unusual lack of energy or sluggishness)
Sneezing
Runny nose
Eye discharge
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Some animals with COVID-19 are asymptomatic (have no symptoms)
 
Diagnostic Testing Results Summary for SARS-CoV-2 in Animals in Los Angeles County
 
For more information on COVID-19 and animals, please visit here. 
 
Related resources
SARS-CoV-2 Reporting Form
Animal Health Advisory: SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance and Testing Grant – Veterinarian Survey to Assess Knowledge and Barriers to SARS-CoV-2 Testing 6.13.2022
 
Last updated: July 12, 2022

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