In Hong Kong will be investigated by the authorities, the dog of a Coronavirus patient, to find out if it may be the first Transmission of the pathogen from human to animal. The dog was tested "weakly positive", stated the authorities.

There is yet no evidence that Pets could be a source of infection. On the website of the world health organization it is, there is so far no evidence that Pets with the Coronavirus can be infected. Other health experts consider that it is possible, but at the same time, that it is unlikely that Pets will spread the Virus further.

The society for the protection of animals in Hong Kong stresses that it is not the same, and to be contagious. Anyone who is infected with the Virus, so it is not necessarily a risk for animal and Vice versa. Nevertheless, the Hong Kong authorities have not asked the people to kiss their Pets, such as the "Guardian" reported.

BAG: "dogs may only short out"

The Federal health according to holder to avoid contact with their animals as much as possible. Dogs should only be kept on a leash and shortly after on the outside, writes the authority on Twitter in a response to the question, what do dog owners, which are in quarantine.

Diseased Animals must avoid contact with your Pets as possible. A healthy Person is supposed to take care of your animals.
dogs out To a leash, and then only briefly. A contact to other people and animals need to avoid the supervisor as soon as possible.

— BAG – OFSP – URPP (@BAG_OFSP_UFSP) March 6, 2020

scientists in Hong Kong several Pets from Covid patients studied. When infected dog, a Spitz, was found the pathogen only in the nose and snout. The Test in the course was of five days on several occasions, speaks for a slight infection of the animal. It has, however, no signs of disease. Whether it can develop at a later date, is currently not yet available.

it Also is unclear whether the dog can pass the disease to other animals or people. Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, doubted that the dog can spread the Virus, since he had only a very small amount of virus. "We need to find out more, but we don't need to panic," he says.

2003: dogs and cats with Sars

Daniella Dos Santos, President of the British veterinary Association, pointed out that during the Sars outbreak in 2003, some cats and dogs have been positively tested without further infection out.

The world organisation for animal health commented: "There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the Spread of the disease, or ill will." Infected dog advise the holders as a precautionary measure, the animal to stay away. If this is not possible, you should wash before and after each contact with your hands and possibly wearing a face mask. The Spitz in Hong Kong is in quarantine.

(beu/oli/reuters)

Created: 06.03.2020, 11:48 PM