As per the latest news reports, a pet dog that belongs to a coronavirus-infected woman has contracted a lower level infection. Reportedly, the infected passed from the owner to the pet. The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has confirmed the first coronavirus case in a Pomeranian, last week. At the time, although researchers were unable to know the source of infection in the animal. Thus they have had picked up samples of the virus from a tainted surface. Later, professionals from the University of Hong Kong, and the World Organization for Animal Health isolated and tested the dog. The experts collectively agreed that the outcomes reveal that the dog has a lower level of infection. Even more, they surmise that it is an instance of human-to-animal transmission.
Here, the question arrives is whether people need to worry about the transmission of COVD-19 from their pets. Well, the answer to this question is no. Experts say there is no confirmed data that pets can spread the infection. Even more, it is not the first time dog, and cats have contracted lower level infections. Before this, low-level infections of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has had infected pets during the 2003 epidemic. City University’s animal health expert Vanessa Barrs said earlier experience with SARS indicates that pets will not become sick or spread the virus to humans. She noted, in 2003, some pets have had tested positive, but none of them became ill.
Until now, the infected Pomeranian has not fallen sick or revealed any indications of the disease. Vanessa noted they had not found any proof of viral transmission from cats or dogs to humans. Researchers surmise SARS-CoV-2, the virus liable of the illness formed in bats before transmitting it on to another species, likely a small wild animal, which passed it on to humans. In the end, experts recommend pet owners to maintain proper hygiene. The instructions include washing hands before and after handling pets, their supplies, and food. Even more, they suggest not to kiss those animals. Apart from this, sick people should maintain a safe distance from pets and seek a veterinarian’s advice if they notice any changes in a pet’s health condition.
