Don't abandon your pets! Heartbreaking coronavirus appeal to animal owners
PET OWNERS have been urged not to abandon their furry friends as there is "no evidence" the coronavirus can be transmitted from domestic pets to humans, the Head of the Italian Civil Protection has said.
By LUKE HAWKER Fri, Mar 20, 2020
Angelo Borrelli has delivered a heartbreaking plea to pet owners not to give up on their animals and reassured the public the virus present in dogs cannot passed onto humans. In a daily briefing, Mr Borreli said: "The abandonment of pets, especially dogs, is absolutely regrettable. “The virus is also present in dogs, but nothing proves the contagion from animals to humans, so they should not be abandoned for this.”
He added: “There are reports of abandonment of domestic pets, in particular dogs, when there is no proof of the possibility of contagion between animals and humans.
“Don’t do it, there is no scientific evidence that proves they can transmit the virus”.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already stated domestic pets such as cats and dogs cannot be infected with the current type of coronavirus which is killing thousands of people around the world.
In a statement, the WHO said: “At present, there is no evidence that companion animals such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Coronavirus: Authorities have urged pet owners not to abandon their animals (Image: GETTY)
Coronavirus: The World Health Organisation said there is no evidence pets can transmit the disease (Image: GETTY)
“However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
“This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.”
Dr Grace Roberts, a virologist at Queen’s University Belfast, explained animals are unlikely to transfer viruses to humans because they have a different cell structure.
Dr Roberts said: ”If the virus meets a cell that doesn’t have the structure it needs to get in, it won’t.
“Some animals have closer related structures, but if people are thinking about whether dogs or cats could transmit the virus, I think it is very highly unlikely.
“A lot of illnesses that dogs get, humans have never had, despite living with dogs for a very, very long time.
“The kind of illnesses they get just don’t spread to humans because the kind of relationship they express within their cells and what we express in ours are just too far apart.
“Viruses would have to make so many mutations to make that jump. It just becomes so unlikely that would happen.”
The Department for Health has confirmed 177 patients have now died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK.
“However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
“This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.”
Dr Grace Roberts, a virologist at Queen’s University Belfast, explained animals are unlikely to transfer viruses to humans because they have a different cell structure.
Dr Roberts said: ”If the virus meets a cell that doesn’t have the structure it needs to get in, it won’t.
“Some animals have closer related structures, but if people are thinking about whether dogs or cats could transmit the virus, I think it is very highly unlikely.
“A lot of illnesses that dogs get, humans have never had, despite living with dogs for a very, very long time.
“The kind of illnesses they get just don’t spread to humans because the kind of relationship they express within their cells and what we express in ours are just too far apart.
“Viruses would have to make so many mutations to make that jump. It just becomes so unlikely that would happen.”
The Department for Health has confirmed 177 patients have now died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK.
2 dogs test positive, quarantined for coronavirus in Hong Kong
By
Danielle Haynes
()
Health officials said there's no evidence that dogs with the virus can infect humans. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 20 (UPI) -- Two dogs have tested positive for the coronavirus in Hong Kong, prompting officials there to warn residents Friday to avoid kissing their pets.
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said a German shepherd tested positive for the virus in Pok Fu Lam, a residential area on the west coast of Hong Kong Island. It's the second dog in Hong Kong to test positive for a presence of the virus.
Officials sent both the German shepherd and another dog from the same residence to a quarantine facility at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
The department said neither dog showed any signs of disease, and added that it's not believed dogs with the virus can infect humans.
"There is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of COVID-19 for humans or that this virus can cause the disease in dogs," a department spokesman said.
"To ensure public and animal health, the department strongly advises that mammalian pet animals including dogs and cats from households with persons confirmed as infected with COVID-19, or close contacts of COVID-19 infected persons, should be put under quarantine."
Hong Kong officials advised pet owners to wash their hands before and after handling animals, their food or supplies. They also said pet owners should avoid kissing their pets and maintain good hygiene in their homes.
Owners who notice a change in their pets' health condition are encouraged to contact a veterinarian.
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