February 29, 2020, 03:17 PM
A pet dog in Hong Kong has been twice tested "weak positive" for Covid-19.
The dog, which belongs to one of the infected patients, is an old aged Pomeranian.
It is said to be at home most of the time.
Pet dog in Hong Kong tested positive for Covid-19
The Pomeranian was first tested positive on Thursday (Feb. 27), according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Subsequent oral and nasal samples taken from the dog on Friday also showed the same result.
The health department said that it will continue to run tests on the dog and it will be quarantined for 14 days until it is cleared of Covid-19.
This Pomeranian is the only pet found to have traces of the coronavirus despite showing no symptoms.
The health authorities also said that there is no evidence that pets can contract the virus or can be a source of infection.
The pet dog could have traces of the virus found on it due to environmental contamination.
The pets of other confirmed cases tested for Covid-19 included a Shiba-Inu and an exotic shorthair dog.
The health authorities said that they will also review all 94 patients' records to see if any other pets have to be tested for the virus.
Pet owners who are found infected will have to send their pets to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for quarantine as a precaution, said the health department.
Spike in pet abandonment due to fear for Covid-19
Many people are naturally fearful of Covid-19 as it has been so widespread and there is no cure for the disease yet.
Out of self-preservation and a lack of commitment, some pet owners in Hong Kong have been calling Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in hopes of surrendering their pets to the non-profit organisation.
SPCA Hong Kong has received 900 queries from pet owners in February 2020, which prompted them to come forward to urge pet owners to not make "any hasty knee-jerk reactions" and that it is "very important for owners to understand that there are no known risks of humans contracting Covid-19 from their pets".
The statement also explained that there are hundreds of different kinds of coronaviruses and the type of coronaviruses that cause SARS, MERS and Covid-19 are not the types that dogs and cats are commonly infected with.
The World Health Organisation has also confirmed that there is no evidence that pets can spread Covid-19.
Pet owners are reminded to practise good hygiene habits before and after contact with pets.
Q: Can pets at home spread the new #coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 27, 2020
A: At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs, cats can be infected with the virus.
However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets pic.twitter.com/aJD53T8Fsx
Top photo via Pixabay
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