COVID virus detected in S.C. dog after owner tested positive

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A dog in South Carolina has tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.

It is the first confirmed animal detection of the virus in the state.

State Veterinarian Boyd Parr said a private veterinarian decided to test the Charleston County dog after one of its owners was confirmed to have COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the virus in the dog July 9.

The 8- or 9-year-old shepherd mix was euthanized due to a chronic health condition.

Parr said there continues to be no evidence that pets play a significant role in spreading the virus to people. Lions, tigers, cats and dogs had confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in seven states as of Thursday, according to the USDA.