Researchers to Conduct SARS Tests on Animals
by Amanda Katz and Patricia Collier
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health have asked a team of Australian scientists to infect a number of chickens, pigs and cats with the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to help determine if the disease originated in animals.
Chickens were selected because they are thought to have been responsible for the first cases of SARS, which occurred in the Guangdong province of China. Pigs are to be used because they are the source of many zoonotic diseases. The reaction of cats to the virus will be studied because they are susceptible to feline infectious peritonitis, a virus similar to the one that causes SARS.
The scientists are going to conduct their research in a laboratory in Geelong that is the most secure facility of its type in the world. Fear that the virus responsible for SARS may be carried by animals has prompted a large number of individuals in Asia to abandon or even kill their pets.
"There is the possibility that (SARS) originates from animals, but there are no signs that pets are able to carry the virus that causes it," said University of Hong Kong professor Dr. Malik Petis. "There is no need for pet owners to worry."
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health have asked a team of Australian scientists to infect a number of chickens, pigs and cats with the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to help determine if the disease originated in animals.
Chickens were selected because they are thought to have been responsible for the first cases of SARS, which occurred in the Guangdong province of China. Pigs are to be used because they are the source of many zoonotic diseases. The reaction of cats to the virus will be studied because they are susceptible to feline infectious peritonitis, a virus similar to the one that causes SARS.
The scientists are going to conduct their research in a laboratory in Geelong that is the most secure facility of its type in the world. Fear that the virus responsible for SARS may be carried by animals has prompted a large number of individuals in Asia to abandon or even kill their pets.
"There is the possibility that (SARS) originates from animals, but there are no signs that pets are able to carry the virus that causes it," said University of Hong Kong professor Dr. Malik Petis. "There is no need for pet owners to worry."
© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
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