The scientific director of the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Zabeel, Dr. Abel Ulrich Werneri, confirmed that it was scientifically proven to transmit the Corona virus to cats, and the possibility of spreading infection from cat to cat, but it has not yet been proven that the infection can be transmitted from cats to humans, although this is possible and studied. He warned against getting too close to this pet, and to stop some inappropriate practices at the present time, such as kissing it.
In a discussion session organized by the Dubai Police Security Inspection Department k9 remotely about the risks of Covid 19 going to pets, Wernbury said that it had not yet been proven that the dogs could be infected with the virus, although only the effects of the virus on the fur of a dog had been detected and it was likely due to his approaching a person Injured.
In detail, Werneri said that recent research has proven that different cat species are more susceptible to infection with the Corona virus, stressing the need to clean the surfaces and floors well because it is very likely that the pet will pick up the virus with his feet while walking on those surfaces, and then lick it with his tongue while cleaning himself, and then infected With the virus and become a carrier of the infection.
He added that a tiger infection was discovered in the Bronx Zoo in New York, and it was proven that some famous mink animals were infected with their fur, which indicates the possibility of different types of animals and this may lead to the development of other types of Covid 19 virus and then transmitted because it was originally transmitted from an animal To a human being, so be careful.
He pointed out that it is difficult until now to monitor the symptoms that indicate the infection of the animal with the virus in light of the world's concern for human symptoms, and it is too early to talk about tests for them at the present time, but there is no doubt that this will happen once the relative control of the spread of the virus.
He explained that the virus can continue in the animal for up to 8 days, so any pets, especially cats, should be isolated if it is suspected of contracting the virus by monitoring any changes to it or a rise in its temperature, so as not to infect others.
He stressed that a vaccine that protects animals from the Corona virus will be developed, once a vaccine for humans is reached, indicating that a lot of information did not appear regarding this virus, so care and safety precautions must be taken, in addition to the need for countries to develop their health system, noting The flexibility of the health system in the UAE and its rapid response, whether by conducting an international examination rate, or by providing the necessary facilities for treatment and isolation.