Pet Dog Infected With COVID-19

For the first time, an animal, a pet dog of a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong, was confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus, registering it as the first human-to-animal transmission.

Dog named canine, which belongs to a 60-year-old woman patient, was tested positive for the novel virus. Scientists claim that the dog must have picked up the virus through surface contamination, including nose and mouth.

The dog, which has been tested several times, is still under quarantine but is not sick. However, The WHO has said there is no evidence animals like dogs or cats can be infected with the coronavirus.

"Pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets," said Hong Kong’s department of agriculture.

Hong Kong government has passed new measures according to which all pets infected with the coronavirus must be quarantined for 14 days. Two dogs are already in isolation.

“Pet owners are reminded to adopt good hygiene practices (including handwashing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, and avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment,” the department said.