In Hong Kong, a dog tested positive for the coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) and is in quarantine. A virologist criticizes the process sharply.
- Coronavirus : Dog in Hong Kong tested positive for Sars-CoV-2
- Animal is currently in quarantine
- Virologist calls health authority "irresponsible"
Hong Kong - In Hong Kong, a dog was “weakly positive” tested for the coronavirus ( Sars-CoV-2 ). This was confirmed by the local health authority. However, the dog has so far shown “no relevant symptoms”.
As the Ministry of Agriculture in Hong Kong announced on Friday (February 28, 2020), the dog belongs to a patient from the Tai Hang region suffering from Covid-19 lung disease. Employees had already picked up the dog from the apartment on Wednesday (February 26, 2020), he is currently in quarantine.
Coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2): Hong Kong authorities advise dog quarantine
As the agency further reports, it currently has “no evidence” that pets can contract Covid-19 or that they are a potential source of infection for humans. However, according to the Correctiv research platform, the Hong Kong ministry is “urgently” advising coronavirus patients to quarantine their pets for 14 days and have them checked by a veterinarian.
Jonathan Ball, virologist from the University of Nottingham, sharply criticized the process. "Incredibly irresponsible", he called the procedure. "The last thing we need now is mass hysteria in view of the possibility of infected dogs, " complained Ball, as reported by the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Coronavirus: Sars CoV-2 Pathogens Coincidentally on the Dog's Body?
So far, there is no evidence that dogs can be infected with the corona virus and play a role as carriers. It is more likely for the virologist that the Sars CoV-2 pathogen happened to get on the dog's body , just as it can land on doorknobs. According to the health authority in Hong Kong, the pathogen was only detected on the dog's nose and snout.
In Germany, the authorities remain calm. So far, no information has been received from China or other countries affected by the coronavirus "that suggested a special role of domestic and farm animals," writes the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health. Likewise, there is no evidence that dogs and cats could be possible carriers of the Sars CoV-2 virus . The institute recommends that German pet owners "initially no other mandatory measures such as segregation / separation or quarantine" of the animals .
# SARSCoV2 / # COVID19: dealing with domestic and farm animals. Information from the FLI @Loeffler_News on https://t.co/O4nP8HJwTk pic.twitter.com/1OQqi135oF
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute (@Loeffler_News) February 28, 2020Coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2): WHO gives the all-clear in dogs and cats
The World Health Organization (WHO) answers frequently asked questions about the coronavirus on its website. These include: "Can I catch Covid-19 from my pet?" (Can I catch Covid-19 on my pet ?). Answer: "There is no evidence that pets such as cats or dogs have become infected or that they can spread the virus that causes Covid-19 ."
By Manuel Schubert
Rubric list image: © Inga Kjer / dpa