Coronavirus: 2 cats owned by close contact of Covid-19 patient in Hong Kong test positive
- Close contact’s five domestic shorthair cats were sent to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for quarantine on Friday, with two testing positive
- Department spokesman stresses that under no circumstances should owners abandon their pets
Two pet cats owned by a close contact of a Covid-19 patient have tested positive for the coronavirus in Hong Kong.
The close contact’s five domestic shorthair cats were sent to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for quarantine on Friday, with two testing positive for the virus. The department said none of the animals showed any symptoms and it would closely monitor them and conduct follow-up testing.
An AFCD spokesman advised owners to keep good hygiene practices, such as hand washing before and after petting their pets, and refrain from kissing them.
“People who have taken ill should restrict contact with animals. If any changes in the health condition of pets are spotted, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.
He also emphasised that under no circumstances should owners abandon their pets.
As of Friday, nine dogs and 10 cats had tested positive for the virus, the department said.
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