According to the World Health Organization, there has been 91 confirmed cases of coronavirus and two deaths from the virus in Hong Kong alone, and nearly 2,800 deaths worldwide.
The coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has now been found in the pet dog of a 60-year-old coronavirus patient in Hong Kong.
The dog’s oral and nasal cavities were tested, and results showed a “weak positive” of the virus.
Luckily, the dog hasn’t shown any symptoms, and it’s still unknown whether he is actually infected or if he is just carrying the virus in his mouth and nose from a contaminated surface.
The dog is currently in quarantine while they run more tests on him. He will be reunited with his owner once he tests negative for the virus.
Health officials still do not have evidence that pets can be infected with the virus or if they can spread it to people. Officials will continue to research this topic to learn more about how pets are affected by the virus.
“We’re working with them to understand the results, to understand what further testing they are doing and to understand how they are going to care for these animals,” Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead of WHO’s emergencies program, said during a press conference.
In the meantime, just to be cautious, the Hong Kong government declared that all pets whose owners test positive for coronavirus be transported to their facility for quarantine and veterinary surveillance.
