First dog to test positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. has died

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in dogs which is a german Shepherd in New York, United States has died.

Recall that Robert and Allison Mahoney of Staten Island told National Geographic that their 7-year-old shepherd, Buddy developed breathing problems in mid-April after Robert had been sick with the Coronavirus for several weeks.

A veterinarian tested Buddy in May and found him positive for the virus.

According to report, Buddy’s health declined steadily after he developed breathing problems and thick nasal mucus in April.

Mahoneys told National Geographic that he was euthanized on July 11 after he started vomiting clotted blood.

According to the veterinarians, it’s unknown if the coronavirus played a role in his death. Blood tests indicated Buddy likely had lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.

A spokesman for the New York City Department of Health said arrangements were made to take the dog’s body for a necropsy but when the instructions were shared with the veterinarian, the body had already been cremated.

A USDA database of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in animals in the United States includes 12 dogs, 10 cats, a tiger and a lion.

The agency says there is currently no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the coronavirus but it appears the virus can spread from people to animals in some situations.