SARS-CoV-1 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1) is a different strain of coronavirus than COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-1 is believed to have spread to people from bats and civets (catlike animals native to Asia and Africa) and has been recognized since 2002. There was an epidemic in 2003, but no cases have been reported since 2004.
SARS-CoV-1 was spread by contact with infected people or animals:
via droplets from sneezing, coughing, or talking
from petting the fur of infected animals (because they groom themselves and the virus could spread in their saliva)
by touching something that has been contaminated by the infected droplets
Although SARS-CoV-1 is believed to have originated in animals, most infections were spread from person to person.
Symptoms of SARS-CoV-1 in Animals
Although most animals don't get sick from SARS-CoV-1, some animals can get very ill. Ferrets are very susceptible and are sometimes used for research on coronaviruses. Nonhuman primates, like certain monkeys, have the same symptoms as people, including coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and fever. Cats can also get sick but usually don't get as sick as people or primates. Dogs and livestock don't get sick from SARS-CoV-1.
Diagnosis and Treatment of SARS-CoV-1 in Animals
There is currently no testing for SARS-CoV-1 because it has been eliminated from people. In the past, nasal swabs were used for testing, like for other coronaviruses.
As with all coronaviruses, there is no specific treatment for SARS-CoV-1.
Prevention of SARS-CoV-1 in Animals
There is no specific prevention for SARS-CoV-1 because there have been no cases since 2004. However, standard prevention measures for all coronavirus strains include:
frequent handwashing
avoiding contact with sick people and animals
wearing a mask if you're sick or around a sick animal or person
Important Human Health Points Regarding SARS-CoV-1
There have been no cases of SARS-CoV-1 since 2004.
Although the disease might have started in animals, it mostly spread from person to person.
