
According to infectious disease
experts, some animals do have the same receptor for COVID-19 so it’s plausible they
can have the disease but do not tend to be symptomatic and pets are unlikely to
spread the virus further.
Initial
information from Hong Kong indicated that the result could be caused by
environmental contamination meaning that the dog picked up traces of the virus from
their environment or person. However, on
Wednesday a new statement
was issued stating that the dog had been tested two
more times (nasal and oral) which returned positive tests. After consulting
medical and veterinary experts and the World Organization for Animal Health, Hong
Kong officials concluded it is a case of human-to-animal transmission of the
virus.
This does not
mean we should panic. At this point, the
testing conducted has been completed using PCR which is a very sensitive test
which can detect minute amount of the COVID-19 viral RNA, however, PCR does not
differentiate between viable virus that is capable of causing infection and
inactivated virus. Infectious Disease Experts
are stating that pet parents need not be overly concerned and under no
circumstances should they abandon their pets.
We should, however, practice good hygiene practices such as washing your
hands before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or
supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them or them kissing you. Like other respiratory diseases we should
also work to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment through
cleaning and disinfection. The other
advice is for people who are sick to restrict contacting animals and if their
pets have any changes in their health seek advice from a veterinarian as soon
as possible.
Unfortunately, in
Wuhan, China, authorities are reportedly euthanizing
animals that are found in homes of people infected with the
virus. Hong Kong is being more level-headed
and only recommending that animals of positive patients be quarantined, as the
likelihood of pets getting sick or spreading the disease is very low.
Bugging Off!
Nicole
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