A second dog has tested positive for the new COVID-19 disease, according to health authorities in Hong Kong.
The new case involves a German Shepherd who was sent to quarantine after its owner tested positive for the new illness. Another dog from the same house that was sent to quarantine tested negative and neither dog has shown any signs of the illness, the department said in a statement.
“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,” a spokesman said.
No evidence has shown that pet animals can transmit the new illness to humans or that COVID-19 can cause disease in dogs, the department said.
That case was being studied by World Health Organization officials.
The primary way COVID-19 is spread is from person to person, via close contact through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People can also become infected when coming into contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching their own eyes, mouth, or nose.