Felines and Ferrets Can be Infected With SARS

They could be used to test potential treatments or vaccines

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 29, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- Scientists have discovered that domestic cats and ferrets can be infected with SARS.

That discovery means two things, the Dutch researchers say.

First, these animals could be used to test any potential vaccines or treatment for SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. Second, it means the virus moves easily from one species to another.

"The virus seems to be very promiscuous," says study author Albert D.M.E. Osterhaus, head of the department of virology at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam.

Osterhaus and his colleagues report their findings in the Oct. 30 issue of Nature.

SARS is the first new highly contagious infectious disease to appear in years. Health officials believe the outbreak began in November 2002 in China. By July 2003, almost 800 people worldwide had died and more than 8,000 had been sickened by the virus, according to the World Health Organization. The virus hit China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Canada hardest.

While health officials have learned the illness is caused by a coronavirus, a family of viruses responsible for some forms of the common cold, they still don't know exactly where it started. Researchers suspect it originated in a wild animal.

For this study, the researchers took the SARS virus and placed it in the nose and throat of domestic cats and ferrets.

They found the animals developed the virus, and could pass it to one another.

"The virus seems to be quite easily transferred to domestic cats and ferrets, so they may serve as an additional reservoir to host the virus," says Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Medical Center in New York City.

What about man's best friend? Osterhaus says he doesn't know because they didn't test dogs.

But he says he doesn't think pet owners have to worry about catching SARS from their furry pals -- whether they're dogs, cats or ferrets.

"Some cats were infected during the outbreak by humans. The other way around isn't impossible," says Osterhaus, but he doesn't think people need to be concerned about the possibility.

Because scientists still haven't found where the virus originated, Tierno says it will likely be back this year.

"The natural reservoir is still unknown, which means that the SARS virus is clearly here to stay," Tierno says.

To protect yourself against the SARS virus and other infectious diseases, experts say your best defense is vigorous and frequent hand washing. If you're not going to be around water, Tierno suggests carrying an alcohol-based antibacterial gel with you.

"Eighty percent of all infectious disease is spread by direct and indirect contact," he says.

Also, Tierno says, be aware of what's going on around you. If the area you live in begins to experience cases of SARS, avoid places where lots of people gather and can "spew the virus" into the air, he says.

More information

To learn more about SARS, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.

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