Two pet cats living in New York state have tested positive for SARS Cov-2 (novel corona virus). The cats were brought to private veterinarians because they were suffering from a respiratory infection. The cats were tested positive for COVID-19. These results were confirmed by a national veterinarian lab. This is the first confirmed case of pet infection in the United States.
The CDC emphasizes that pet guardians should be not fear being infected by their animals, but should take precautions if the guardians are infected or are showing symptoms. Chinese researchers determined that cats are susceptible to infection in the laboratory, but showed only mild symptoms. The researchers think dogs are less affected by the disease. The COVID-19 is believed to have originated in so-called 'wet markets' in Wuhan that trade in wildlife. As of yet there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans by dogs or cats. Pathology researchers at Cambridge University say the SARS Cov-2 virus is very similar to corona viruses found in bats.
The big cats at the Bronx zoo who have COVID-19 are doing well according to zoo officials. They are eating normally and their coughing is greatly reduced. The cats were probably infected by an asymptomatic staff person.
In other pandemic news, Dr. William Bright (how appropriate) told reporters he was abruptly dismissed from his post at the Department of Health and Human Services where he headed the agency's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority after advocating for rigorous testing of hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malaria drug touted by the right-wing circus as a "miracle cure" for COVID-19. Dr. Bright, who earned his PhD at Emory University, said in his statement that he was pressured to direct funds towards hydroxychloroquine, which he labeled “potentially dangerous drug[s] promoted by those with political connections” He added, “While I am prepared to look at all options and to think ‘outside the
box’ for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an
unproven drug on demand to the American public.”
'Totale' Trumpillini has political allies with interests in pharmaceutical companies that distribute a brand name version of the drug. Bright was not fired, but kicked up stairs to a desk at the National Institutes of Health. King Trumpillini told reporters when asked of Bright's removal, “I never heard of him, You just
mentioned the name, I never heard of him. When did this happen? I never
heard of him".* Bright has retained attorneys specializing in government whistle blower cases who said they intend to ask for an investigation of the dismissal they characterize as unlawful retaliation.
Total Douche's promoted the sixty-five year-old antimicrobial medicine as a "game changer" during propaganda appearances. His sales pitch was repeated by the Fox News echo chamber, notably by fan-girl Laura Ingraham. The drugs efficacy and safety is disputed by government health officials including Dr. Fauci, the government's top infectious disease expert. Nevertheless Dr. Voodoo advised citizens to "Take it." Since his initial dangerously erroneous bombast, experimental use of the drug has produced no verifiable, positive results and serious side effects in those patients treated with it, including patients at a Veterans Affairs medical facility. Hydroxychloroquine is approved to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus as well as malaria, but has known serious side effects, such as blurred vision, seizures, and heart arrhythmia. After more public warnings about the untested use of the drug, Fox News talking heads ceased talking about hydroxychloroquine, but not trade advisor Peter Navarro, who relentlessly bangs his drum for the drug within the regime. Meanwhile comprehensive, controlled testing of hydroychloroquine for use on COVID-19 patients continues, which is something Dr. Bright wanted at the start.
*When asked again about Bight, The Chosen One (CO) had this bizarre exchange with the NBC reporter:
CO: Why do you say he has great gifts? Do you know him? Have you reviewed him? Have you studied him?
Reporter: He worked his entire career developing vaccines
CO: That doesn’t mean he has gifts. I know a lot of people who play baseball who can’t hit 150.
Silly reporter, she should have known only Total Douche has great baseball knowledge and gifts.