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Written by: Lao Minyi
2020-03-05 16:59
Last updated: 2020-03-05 17:04The epidemic of the new coronavirus pneumonia, commonly known as "Wuhan pneumonia," continued. In the 85th confirmed case, a 17-year-old pet squirrel dog from the owner Zhou Qiaoer, oral and nasal samples, and nasal samples were weakly positive to the virus, becoming the first dog in the world. Infection cases.
The AFCD stated that the dog had been infected to a low degree and had no symptoms at this time. It also had many questions in the field, including what are "weak positive reactions", testing methods, repeated testing results, and pet owner's handling methods. Issued to solve the problem, reiterated that there is no evidence that pets can spread the new crown virus, and owners are urged not to abandon pets.
AFCD stated that the dog was received from a residential unit in Tai Hang in the evening of February 26, and samples were taken from its mouth, nasal cavity, anus and feces for testing. The tests conducted on the 27th showed that the dog's oral and nasal samples were virus-resistant It showed a weak positive reaction, and then took another sample on February 28 and March 2 to find a weak positive reaction to the virus. Finally, a blood sample was taken on March 3 for serum testing. If it is positive, it will further prove that Dogs are infected, but negative blood test results do not rule out the possibility of infection because antibody production takes time after infection.
AFCD issued a response today to a number of questions in the workshop, explaining that the "weak positive response" showed a small amount of 2019 coronavirus virus RNA in the sample, but it could not show whether the sample contained infectious intact virus or non-infectious ribose Nucleic acid fragments.
Nasal samples still weakly positive after 5 days from home, reflecting low-level infections
As for the detection method, the laboratory of AFCD and the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong as the WHO reference laboratory were used. Both laboratories used real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The test is highly sensitive, which helps the sample detect a small amount of 2019 coronavirus RNA, and will not cross-react with other coronaviruses in cats and dogs. Regarding why the dog was repeatedly tested, AFCD explained that it helped to determine whether the dog was indeed infected or that its mouth and nose were infected with the virus at home. The results showed that the samples taken from the anus and feces were negative in all three tests. After the dog was removed from the place that has the chance to be the source of contamination, the nasal cavity sample was still weakly positive, indicating that the dog was only affected to a low degree. Infections and may be a case of human-to-animal transmission.
AFCD emphasizes that there is still no evidence that mammalian pets, including cats and dogs, can transmit the virus to other animals or humans. The case has been formally reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health, and it is strongly recommended that domestic mammals who have been diagnosed or have close contacts with it Pets are sent to the quarantine facilities of the AFCD for quarantine.
Xue Hanzong said that Zhou Qiao'er's 17-year-old pet squirrel dog has been infected to a low degree and has no symptoms at present. (Photo by Ou Jiale)
Masks are not recommended for dogs
At a press conference of the Department of Health, Xue Hanzong said that infected dogs can only use certain antiviral drugs, but as far as they know, no drug registration is available for cats and dogs; however, due to the continuous decrease in the amount of virus, it is estimated that Sexual virus, cats and dogs will slowly produce antibodies to neutralize the virus to recovery. If the dogs can be infected, they still need to be tested again. If the dog is negative for two virus tests, it will be returned to the dog owner. He pointed out that the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Animal Isolation Center can accommodate more than ten animals, and other animal management centers can be used for isolation if necessary. Asked whether dogs need to wear masks, Xue Hanzong said that human masks are difficult for dogs to wear, and that their bodies do not have sweat glands, and they rely on their tongues to dissipate heat. Wearing masks makes them uncomfortable, so the most important thing is cleanliness.
Regarding veterinary advice, AFCD stated that as the dog did not have any relevant clinical symptoms, it was recommended that the veterinarian review his current infection control measures and maintain a high level of vigilance. Personal protective equipment (such as gloves, masks) and regular disinfection of the environment should be used.
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Wuhan Pneumonia Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
