AUTHOR=Schiaffino Francesca , Ferradas Cusi , Jara Luis M. , Salvatierra Guillermo , Dávila-Barclay Alejandra , Sanchez-Carrion Camila , Ulloa Alexandra , Mascaro Lucero , Pajuelo Monica J. , Guevara Sarmiento Luis , Fernandez Manolo , Zimic Mirko 

TITLE=First Detection and Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37) Variant in Symptomatic Domestic Cats in Lima, Peru

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.737350

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2021.737350

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<p>The role of domestic cats in the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 remains poorly characterized, especially in epidemiologic contexts of countries with high viral transmission. Here, we report the first evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant of interest in symptomatic domestic cats whose owners were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Lima, Peru, providing evidence that transmission of this new variant in domestic cats is occurring. More epidemiological studies are required to further characterize the role of domestic animals in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.</p>