Because COVID-19 is a new disease, many questions about it continue to be asked —including questions on how it can affect animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in new guidelines, is recommending social distancing for dogs, cats and other animals.

The Star Tribune’s Connie Nelson is reporting that the CDC made its recommendation “after a small number of animals — including dogs and cats — were reported to test positive for COVID-19 after they had had close contact with a person who had the disease.”

According to the CDC’s website, “At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19” — and the virus is “primarily spreading from person to person.” However, Nelson notes that the first COVID-19 infections were believed to be linked to a live animal market in Mainland China.

Nelson observes: “It now appears that the virus can spread from people to animals. Earlier this month, a Malayan tiger in the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the virus. Last week, at least two cats in New York tested positive.”