While people across the world are already worried over getting Covid-19, it now seems that we may have something new to worry about — that our furry friends can also get the disease.
Animal lovers’ worst fears may now be realised, after a pet dog in Hong Kong was confirmed to have the dreaded virus, and it’s suspected that it was infected by its owner, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
While the pomeranian previously tested a “weak positive” last Friday (28 Feb), more tests have detected “a low level of infection” in the unfortunate pooch, revealed Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
The low level of infection points to the dog picking up the virus via surface contamination through its nose and mouth, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Based on this, the department said experts from universities and the World Organisation for Animal Health have declared that the case is a likely result of human-to-animal transmission.
During a press briefing, Hong Kong Health Minister Sophia Chan was quoted by the SCMP as saying about the dog:
It is positive to tests and has been infected, so it is now quarantined in a centre by the department.
Ms Chan added that further tests will be conducted and the dog will not be released until tests return negative results.
But if animals can be infected with Covid-19, can they pass the virus on to humans?
In response to such worries, the AFCD said that there was no evidence that this could happen, or that the animals could fall ill.
Professor Vanessa Barrs, from City University’s Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, assured the public that there was no evidence people could be infected by their pets. She was quoted by the SCMP as saying:
Previous experience with Sars (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) suggests that cats and dogs will not become sick or transmit the virus to humans.
Concurring, the World Organisation for Animal Health told the SCMP that there was no evidence that pets played a role in the spread of the virus, adding:
Currently, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.
While the dog has been infected, that does not mean it is infectious, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was reported by the SCMP as saying.
In fact, the dog seems to be perfectly fine, the SPCA added:
We have been informed that the dog is currently very healthy and doing well at the quarantine centre.
Although the dog’s owner, a 60-year-old woman, and its caregiver had both been infected with Covid-19, the animal itself had showed no symptoms of the virus at all.
However, it was still sent to a 14-day quarantine in a pet-housing facility, where the “weak positive” result was obtained.
The dog has yet to show any symptoms of the virus.
Last Friday (28 Feb), Hong Kong started placing pets of Covid-19 sufferers under 14-day quarantine.
Besides the pomeranian, another dog belonging to a suspected virus patient is also under quarantine.
Source
Our heart goes out to those who may have infected their animal companions — for those who regard their pets as family members, having a beloved pet fall sick because they caught the virus from us may be just as horrible a guilt trip as infecting a loved (human) one.
To pet owners who have not been affected by the virus, this should serve as a reminder to stay healthy not just for the sake of ourselves, but for the sake of our pets too!
Featured image adapted from freepik.com. Image for illustration purposes only.
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