Evaluating the distribution and clustering of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs across the United States of America

Abstract

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in various animal species, including dogs. While human-to-animal transmission has been documented, the extent and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in dogs across the United States of America (USA) remain unclear. To address this need, we investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs in the USA and scanned for spatial and temporal clusters of high seroprevalence. Serum samples from 953 dogs from 37 states were screened by serological assays, and 58 (6.09%) samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The lowest seropositivity was detected in the third quarter of 2021 (1.16%), while the highest was in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 (23.26%). Maps visualized the distribution of seroprevalence, and the Pacific Northwest and Florida had high seroprevalence, while the Northeast and Midwest USA had low seroprevalence. Two significant space–time clusters were identified. The primary cluster in areas in the state of Washington in October 2024, and the secondary cluster in Florida in March 2022. These findings highlight the importance of surveillance to understand SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in companion animals and its implications for public health.

Keywords

• SARS-CoV-2
• Dogs
• Seroepidemiologic studies
• Clustering