Pets and COVID-19
Recently in Hong kong after the AFCD took proactive and precautionary measures to quarantine the pets of people diagnosed with COVID-19, a healthy 17-yeard-old dog had a small amount of viral genetic material detected in its mouth and nose, the dog is not sick and doesn't have COVID-19 sickness or illness.
The good news is there is absolutely no evidence that pets are involved in the spread of COVID-19. What we know is this epidemic is being spread from humans to humans and there is no evidence that dog is contagious to people or to pets. So, people need not to worry and not to have any alarm about their pets.
Remember the way that you can catch COVID-19 is being exposed to an infected person. So, you should practice normal precautionary hygiene measures: such as earing a face mask, washing your hands and social distancing. You can still take your dogs out for a walk. If you are worried about contamination of your pets paws from outside, you can gently wash them with a little bit of mild soap, or wipe them with hand sanitizer when they come back to your apartment.
It's really important to remember the responsibility that you must have towards your pets. As a pet you are responsible for your pets' health, for ther welfare and for their wel-being.
Please do not abandon your pets.
Plaease don't be alarmed.
Please don't be concerned.
Pets are not involved in the spread of Covid-19, according to Professor Vanessa Barrs, Chair Professor of Companion Animal Health and Disease at CityU.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the nation's health protection agency, defines Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 tend to experience mild to severe respiratory illness that can include fever, cough or shortness of breath. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should see their healthcare providers as early as possible for examination.
Useful link : Sars-C0V-2 in animals, including pets