Currently there is no evidence that companion animals can be a source of the virus. However, news.gov.hk (Hong Kong News) reports that a ‘third animal’ has tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong. They don’t clarify what the other two are. They may be referring to dogs. In the title have said that this is the second cat because there is a report from Belgium which I posted on.
In the Hong Kong case the cat’s owner was confirmed as being infected and the cat was sent to quarantine at an animal facility at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macoa Bridge on 30th March.
We are told that the ‘oral cavity, nasal and rectum samples tested positive’ for Covid-19. The cat was asymptomatic (no signs of the disease).
The Hong Kong authorities advise that in homes where the homeowner is confirmed infected, the companion animals should be quarantined. I think this report is concerning. Let’s hope for the best.
I wonder if this is occurring. Note: links to outside websites sometimes break over time. If that happens I am sorry.
