Antech aligns with global health organizations on COVID-19 in cats and dogs: No virus detected

Surveillance program underway; Antech to report any suspected emergence of virus to veterinary health organizations

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Mar 19, 2020, 08:30 ET

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Antech Diagnostics, part of Mars Petcare, announced today that its data upholds the conclusions of leading human and animal health organizations, which conclude there is currently no evidence that dogs or cats have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, SARS-CoV-2. Antech's active surveillance program is intended to detect any possible emergence of the virus among companion animals. The company will report any discovery of SARS-CoV-2 to health authorities immediately.

Antech's surveillance program involves testing samples from dogs and cats that are submitted for respiratory PCR analysis. Dogs and cats can show flu-like signs of illness that are associated with many common viral and bacterial infections that are generally not transmissible to people. When a dog or cat presents with coughing, sneezing or lethargy, veterinarians often conduct respiratory PCR testing to help identify the cause, commonly influenza or kennel cough. Antech is validating samples to ensure there is no evidence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the companion animals tested.

"We are actively monitoring the situation and communicating regularly with our academic partners, veterinary customers, veterinary health organizations and government agencies internationally," said Jennifer Ogeer, BSc., DVM, MSc., MBA, MA, VP Medical Affairs & Commercial Marketing. "We're grateful to be aligned in a shared mission to protect the health and safety of both companion animals and humans, and stand ready to share data from our surveillance program to dispel misinformation, protect public health and support our veterinary customers as needs evolve."

The following organizations are providing accurate, timely information on current developments related to COVID-19 and companion animals:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
Clinician's Brief: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE): https://www.oie.int/
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA): https://wsava.org/
Worms & Germs blog by Drs. Scott Weese and Maureen Anderson: https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/

About Antech
At the heart of Antech is our love for pets. We combine innovative technologies backed by scientific rigor with data-driven insights and consultative moments to help veterinarians and their teams improve the health and well-being of the pets we love. Our commitment to customers spans more than 30 years and celebrates their dedication to setting new standards in pet care quality, which we support through innovative diagnostic, imaging, education and support services. Today, Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Veterinary Health, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care. Visit us at http://www.antechdiagnostics.com. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

SOURCE Antech Diagnostics