Efficient Direct and Limited Environmental Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.22 in Domestic Cats
Nora M. Gerhards, José L. Gonzáles, Sandra Vreman, Lars Ravesloot, Judith M. A. van den Brand, Harmen P. Doekes, Herman Egberink, Arjan Stegeman, Nadia Oreshkova, Wim H. M. van der Poel, M.C.M. de Jong
Abstract
This article provides additional insight into the risk of infection that could arise from cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 by using epidemiological models to determine transmission parameters. Considering that transmission parameters are not always provided in the literature describing transmission experiments in animals, we demonstrate that mathematical analysis of experimental data is crucial to estimate the likelihood of transmission. This article is also relevant to animal health professionals and authorities involved in risk assessments for zoonotic spill-overs of SARS-CoV-2. Last but not least, the mathematical models to calculate transmission parameters are applicable to analyze the experimental transmission of other pathogens between animals.