SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via contact and via the air between ferrets

SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus that emerged in late 2019, has spread rapidly worldwide, and information about the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among humans is critical to apply appropriate infection control measures and to slow its spread. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted efficiently via direct contact and via the air (via respiratory droplets and/or aerosols) between ferrets, 1 to 3 days and 3 to 7 days after exposure respectively. The pattern of virus shedding in the direct contact and indirect recipient ferrets is similar to that of the inoculated ferrets and infectious virus is isolated from all positive animals, showing that ferrets are productively infected via either route. This study…

• DO
  Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Award: HHSN272201400008C
• EC
  European Commission

  Award: 731014
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

  Award: 91715372
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: HHSN272201400008C
• H2
  Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

  Award: 731014
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Awards: HHSN272201400008C, contract number HHSN272201400008C