OREANDA-NEWS. The virologist of the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Professor Alexander Butenko made an appeal to vaccinate domestic cats against COVID-19. His words on Thursday, November 18, are broadcast by the radio "Moscow speaking".

According to the expert, pets can be a source of coronavirus infection for their owners.

“There is evidence that cats can be sick with SARS-CoV. Dogs are sensitive to a certain extent, "Butenko clarified, adding that weasels can also get sick, and there is also evidence that predatory animals (leopards, lions and tigers) have become infected from people in zoos. The virologist noted that cats are the only animals that need to be vaccinated in an urban setting.

The doctor believes that if you do not vaccinate the animal, you need to carefully monitor so that it does not show symptoms of coronavirus infection.

In the spring of 2021, Russia registered the world's first COVID-19 vaccine for animals. The drug was named "Karnivak-Kov". The release began in April, the first batch consisted of 17 thousand doses. The period of preservation of immunity after vaccination is estimated at six months. At the end of May, Julia Melano, advisor to the head of Rosselkhoznadzor, announced the start of vaccination of animals with a domestic drug in Russian regions.