On Apr. 20, 2020, IDEXX Labs announced the availability of the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test for pets. IDEXX launched the test in response to customer demand and growing evidence that in rare cases pets living with COVID-19 positive humans can be at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The test was made available to veterinarians in North America the week of April 20 and was rolled out across most of the world in subsequent weeks, enabled by IDEXX Reference Laboratories, the company’s worldwide network of more than 80 laboratories.

IDEXX’s guidance, aligned with that of medical experts, is that veterinarians order the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR™ Test after consultation with a public health authority (for example, a state public health veterinarian in the United States) and three specific criteria are met: Pet is living in a household with a human who has COVID-19 or has tested positive for the virus; Pet has already been tested for more common infections, that a veterinarian has ruled out; and the Pet (especially cats and ferrets) is showing clinical signs consistent with COVID-19.

Understanding of COVID-19 and its effects on animal and human health is evolving rapidly. Leading health authorities and IDEXX veterinarians agree transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily person to person and advise against testing asymptomatic pets. Since mid-February, IDEXX Reference Laboratories has tested over 5,000 specimens for the COVID-19 virus, from cats, dogs, and horses with respiratory symptoms in 17 countries. To date, IDEXX has found no positive results. This suggests dogs and cats living with infected people generally remain uninfected, except in rare and isolated cases.