Zika Virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitos but can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, laboratory exposure, sexual intercourse, or from mother to child during pregnancy. Pregnant woman should avoid areas where the Zika virus is found because it can cause brain defects to the fetus.
As of early September, there had been 2,964 human cases of Zika reported in the US. Most of those have been travel associated cases. There have been 0 reports of the Zika virus in animals. Currently, Zika is not considered widespread in North America.
Currently there is no vaccine or treatment available for the Zika virus. There is ongoing research to develop a vaccine. According to the CDC, “There have not been any reports of pets or other types of animals becoming sick with Zika virus. However, more research is needed to better understand Zika virus in animals”
Although there have been no reports of Zika in traditional pets here in the U.S, outbreaks in nonhuman primates have occurred in other countries. Dr. Maureen Long, an associate professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology at the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine, told University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, “To our knowledge, the only species that develop a very high viral load of Zika in their blood are human and nonhuman primates.”
The CDC reports there is no evidence that the Zika virus can be spread from humans to animals.
Even though mosquitos can not transmit Zika virus to our pets, they can transmit heartworm disease. The American Heartworm Association continues to recommend year round heartworm prevention.