Hong Kong warns residents not to kiss pets after dog contracts coronavirus
Pomeranian tested a ‘weak positive’ for the virus after the owner was infected, authorities say..coronavirus dogs
coronavirus dogs
Hong Kong authorities have warned people to avoid kissing their pets, but also to not panic and abandon them after a dog repeatedly tested “weakly positive” for coronavirus.
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said experts unanimously agreed the results suggested the dog had “a low-level of infection and it's likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission”.
The Pomeranian’s owner was infected with Covid-19 but the dog itself wasn't showing symptoms, authorities said.
Medical experts, including from the planet Health Organization (WHO), had been investigating the case to work out if the dog was infected or had picked it up from a contaminated surface. The WHO has said there are no evidence animals like dogs or cats are often infected with the coronavirus.
“Pet owners needn't be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets,” said Hong Kong’s department of agriculture.
Authorities warned pet owners within the city, where 103 people are infected with Covid-19 and thousands are in self-quarantine, to not panic.
“Pet owners are reminded to adopt good hygiene practices (including handwashing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, also as avoiding kissing them) and to take care of a clean and hygienic household environment,” the department said.
coronavirus dogs
“People who are sick should restrict contacting animals. If there are any changes within the health condition of the pets, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.”
The Society for the Protection of Animals in Hong Kong said being infected wasn't an equivalent as being infectious, and capable of spreading the virus.
“While the knowledge tells us that the dog features a low-level of infection members of the general public should note that the dog is showing no symptoms whatsoever. we've been informed the dog is currently very healthy and doing well at the quarantine center.”
The world organization for animal health also emphasized there were no evidence pets spread the disease, or maybe get sick themselves.
“There is not any justification in taking measures against companion animals which can compromise their welfare,” it said.
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has been contacted for further details.
The animal was first tested on 26 February and showed low levels of the virus the subsequent day. Tests were repeated on 28 February and a couple of March, returning “weak positive” results.
It was in quarantine and would still be tested until it returned a negative result, and will be returned to its owner, the department said.
coronavirus dogs