New research by Drs. Scott Weese and Dorothee Bienzle, at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) was highlighted in an article in The Canadian Press, which appeared in several publications including The Globe and Mail, CityNews Toronto, CTV News and Global News.  

The study, which appeared in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, found those infected with COVID-19 can infect cats and dogs when cuddling them and noted that “kissing the pet, pet sleeping on the bed – appear to increase the risk.” 

The initial findings were presented last year at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) conference. 

Weese is a professor in the Department of Pathobiology, chief of infection control at OVC and director of the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses. He researches infections in animals, emerging infectious diseases and infection control. 

Bienzle is also a professor in the Department of Pathobiology and researches immunity to viruses in cats.