Impacts of Coronavirus on Farm, Pet, and Zoo Animals

Coronaviruses are positive sense RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family, which are further subdivided into four genera: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta Coronaviruses. Infectious bronchitis virus and SARS-CoV belong to Beta Coronaviridae family. Infectious bronchitis virus causes respiratory and nephritic signs that includes tracheal rales, urate crystals, lethargy and nasal discharge. In livestock and pets, the Coronavirus infection causes mostly gastrointestinal lesions, which may be prevented through vaccination and biosecurity. Recent infections of SARS-CoV-2 (also known as COVID-19) on farm, pet, and zoo animals were summarized in this study. Although the damage of COVID-19 has not been reported in commercial livestock and poultry, the transmission mechanism of COVID-19 among group animals and farms are not still clear. The impact of Coronavirus on animals and potential prevention strategies, such as vaccine development and farm biosecurity measures, were discussed. Before the right vaccine is successfully marketed, biosecurity measures (e.g., conventional disinfection strategies and innovated technologies) may play roles in preventing potential airborne transmission.