First Detection and Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37) Variant in Symptomatic Domestic Cats in Lima, Peru

First Detection and Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37) Variant in Symptomatic Domestic Cats in Lima, Peru

Cusi Ferradas, Francesca Schiaffino, Camila Sánchez-Carrión, Alexandra Ulloa, Luis Guevara Sarmiento, Manolo Fernández, Mónica J. Pajuelo, Luis M. Jara, Guillermo Salvatierra, Alejandra Dávila-Barclay, Lucero Mascaro, Mirko Zimic, Mirko Zimic

The role of domestic cats in the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 remains poorly characterized, especially in epidemiologic contexts of countries with high viral transmission. Here, we report the first evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant of interest in symptomatic domestic cats whose owners were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Lima, Peru, providing evidence that transmission of this new variant in domestic cats is occurring. More epidemiological studies are required to further characterize the role of domestic animals in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.

2021

Felis catus, One health, SARS-CoV-2, covid-19, surveillance

10.3389/fvets.2021.737350

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Frontiers Media S.A.

Veterinary medicine