Coronavirus in a dog in Hong Kong

Can pets also be infected with the new coronavirus (COVID-19)? Or even transmit it? Many pet owners have been worried since the news went around the world about a dog from Hong Kong that tested positive several times by the Chinese authorities. At the moment, however, veterinarians can reassure: The dog from China is still healthy and shows no signs of illness. So far, there is no evidence or even signs that pets are a source of infection for COVID-19 or how humans could contract it.

The fate of the little spitz from Hong Kong is keeping the stand still. Do precautionary measures be taken for dogs and cats as well? Can they fall ill? Or transmit it? The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) currently states: "There is no evidence that dogs evidence that dogs play a role in the in the spread of the disease or in become ill."

No evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of the disease

Humans can also be infected without getting sick, but transmit it. It is  therefore too early to make a firm statement  what the fate of the little spitz means for the dog population in general. For the next 14 days, the dog will be medical monitoring for the next 14 days and further tests over the next 14 days, according to China.  Pet owners should therefore not be overly should not be overly concerned and under no circumstances panic - and abandon their pets in animal shelters or even or even abandon them.

When dealing with animals, the most important the most important recommendation is good hygiene practice:

  • Wash your hands before and after each

contact with animals, their food or toys

  • Do not kiss animals
  • Cleanliness and hygiene in the household
  • Sick people in particular should reduce or avoid contact with animals to a minimum

As a general rule, if an animal shows any signs of illness, the advice of a veterinarian should be advice of a veterinary surgeon.

Here you will find more answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus in pets.

 

Sources:

  • Scott Weese, epidemiologist at the Ontario

Veterinary College at the University of Guelph,

Canada

  • Recommendations from AFCD (Agriculture,

Fishery and Conservation Department)

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