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USDA: First confirmed case of a dog with coronavirus in the U.S.

German shepherd (file photo)
Posted at 11:49 AM, Jun 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-03 11:49:33-04

Officials have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in a pet dog.

According to the USDA, the dog is a German shepherd living in New York state.

Samples were taken after the canine showed signs of respiratory illness, but it is expected to make a full recovery.

The agency says one of the dog's owners tested positive for the virus, while another showed symptoms prior to the German shepherd showing symptoms.

A second dog in the household has tested positive for antibodies, which suggests exposure.

Officials say there is currently no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus.

Other animals that have tested positive for the virus include a tiger, a lion and two cats, all in New York.

Previously a North Carolina family's pet pug was thought to be the first dog to test positive for the virus.

However officials with USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories were "unable to verify infection" in the dog after new tests were not able to detect antibodies or other signs of infection.