Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses consisting of multiple subgroups of viruses that are commonly found in humans as well as other mammals, birds, and reptiles. Coronaviruses get their name from their spiked surface proteins, or corona, which is Latin for crown. Coronavirus infections in animals, for example feline enteric coronavirus, are commonly alpha coronaviruses.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a unique coronavirus that infects the human respiratory tract and is different from previously identified coronaviruses infecting humans or veterinary patients. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 respiratory disease in humans and is a beta coronavirus.

COVID-19 was first detected in China with an initial outbreak in the city of Wuhan. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have originated from bats. Since its emergence in late 2019, COVID-19 has spread to locations around the globe.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports, “Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.” Leading health authorities do not recommend testing pets for the COVID-19 virus as it is primarily transmitted person to person. 

IDEXX evaluated thousands of canine and feline specimens during validation of a veterinary diagnostic test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have seen no positive results in pets for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak in humans. The specimens used for test development and validation were obtained from specimens submitted to IDEXX Reference Laboratories for diagnostic PCR panels. The specimens originated from the United States and South Korea. IDEXX has now expanded monitoring to Canada and European countries, including areas with high rates of COVID-19 in the human population. All samples tested for COVID-19 have been negative.

For dogs or cats presenting with respiratory signs, the recommendation is to contact a veterinarian to test for more common respiratory pathogens.

IDEXX does not currently offer a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The current expert understanding is that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted person to person, supporting the recommendation of leading health authorities not to test pets for the virus. Should leading health authorities determine it is clinically relevant to test pets for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, IDEXX is ready to make the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test commercially available.

IDEXX evaluated thousands of canine and feline specimens during validation of a veterinary diagnostic test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has seen no positive results in pets for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak in humans. The specimens used for test development and validation were obtained from specimens submitted to IDEXX Reference Laboratories for diagnostic PCR panels. The specimens originated from the United States and South Korea. IDEXX has now expanded monitoring to Canada and European countries, including areas with high rates of COVID-19 in the human population. All samples tested for COVID-19 have been negative.

For dogs or cats presenting with respiratory signs, the recommendation is to contact a veterinarian to test for more common respiratory pathogens.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses consisting of multiple subgroups of viruses that are commonly found in humans as well as other mammals, birds, and reptiles. Common coronaviruses causing respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in our veterinary patients are alpha coronaviruses. 

• The IDEXX Comprehensive Canine Respiratory Disease (CRD) RealPCR Panel includes the IDEXX RealPCR Test for canine respiratory coronavirus. Canine respiratory coronavirus contributes to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (also known as infectious tracheobronchitis or “kennel cough”). This panel is not a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. 
• IDEXX Comprehensive Diarrhea RealPCR panels include IDEXX RealPCR tests for canine, equine, ferret, and feline enteric coronavirus. Enteric coronaviruses can cause intestinal infections leading to diarrhea, particularly in younger animals. These panels are not a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. 
• IDEXX FIP Virus RealPCR Biotype (Add-on to Feline Coronavirus RealPCR Test) detects the most common mutations causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a mutated form of feline enteric coronavirus resulting in severe, generally fatal, systemic inflammatory disease. This test is not a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. 
• IDEXX IBV Ab Test detects gamma coronavirus. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes a highly contagious viral disease in chickens that is usually manifested as a respiratory condition. This test facilitates the monitoring of immune status in large flocks. This test is not a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
• IDEXX RealPCR TGEV RNA Mix tests for swine enteric coronaviruses. Severe outbreaks of enteric coronaviruses, characterized by acute and rapidly spreading diarrhea, are threatening swine operations worldwide. This test is not a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
• IDEXX Rota-Corona-k99 Ag Test is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that differentiates between rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli infections by antigen detection. Bovine coronaviruses may cause diarrhea in calves. They can also cause winter dysentery, with bloody diarrhea, mild respiratory signs, and decreased production in adult cattle. This test is not a test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.

While the situation is highly dynamic, we are committed to providing you the products, services, and support you’ve come to trust. We are well positioned generally to maintain your necessary supplies and services. We will work to keep you updated should this change. For some high-demand supplies, you may notice a maximum quantity limit when ordering.

With a global network of more than 80 IDEXX Reference Laboratories, IDEXX is continuing to receive and process your patient samples. Transportation delays caused by measures implemented by national, regional, and local governments may result in delays in turnaround times.

Some tests sent to third-party laboratories by IDEXX are experiencing delays or may be unavailable due to regional flight cancellations and lab closures. Tests that become unavailable will be removed from the online test directory. Please check the online directory or VetConnect PLUS regularly for up-to-date information.