The Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern also affects companion animals

Abstract

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has brought with it a large increase in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 disease worldwide. However, there is hardly any data on the incidence of this new variant in companion animals. In this study, we have detected the presence of this new variant in domestic animals such as dogs and cats living with owners with COVID19 in Spain that have been sampled at the most optimal time for the detection of the disease. None of the RT-qPCR positive animals (10.13%) presented any clinical signs and the viral loads detected were very low. In addition, the shedding of viral RNA lasted a short period of time in the positive animals. Infection with the Omicron variant of concern (VOC) was confirmed by a specific RT-qPCR for the detection of this variant and by sequencing. These outcomes suggest a lower virulence of this variant in infected cats and dogs. This study demonstrates the transmission of this new variant from infected humans to domestic animals and highlights the importance of doing active surveillance as well as genomic research to detect the presence of VOCs or mutations associated with animal hosts.