[Explanation] A pet dog diagnosed with New Coronary Pneumonia in Hong Kong has been tested for two new coronaviruses by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department and found that its oral and nasal samples were weakly positive. During a meeting with the media on March 5, the Hong Kong Fisheries and Conservation Department pointed out that the results showed that the dog was infected with the virus to a low degree. It is reported that this is the first animal in the world to be diagnosed with the new coronavirus.
[Explanation] Xue Hanzong, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Fisheries and Conservation Department, said at the briefing on the latest situation of the epidemic that day. A small number of new coronaviruses were detected. In the results of the virus test on February 28, oral and nasal samples were still positive. The results of the second test on March 2 showed that the oral samples were negative and the nasal samples were still positive.
[Concurrent] Assistant Director Xue Hanzong
We and the experts from the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong, the experts from the School of Veterinary Medicine of the City University of Hong Kong, and the experts from the World Health Organization. When we read this report together, we all agree that the dog is infected with the virus to a low degree. The dog is now at the animal isolation center and it is now free of any coronavirus disease.
[Explanation] Xue Hanzong pointed out that there is no international precedent for low-level infections in dogs, and there is no information and cases showing that the virus can be transmitted to humans by dogs. He mentioned that the dog's virus was declining and he would produce antibodies to recover. There is currently no drug to treat dogs infected with the new crown virus. The dogs are currently being quarantined at the animal shelter of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, and will continue to undergo virus tests. The dogs will not be returned to the dogs until two negative results are obtained. Asked whether dogs need to wear masks when going out, Xue Hanzong believes that human masks should not be worn by dogs.
[Concurrent] Assistant Director Xue Hanzong
In fact, I believe that human masks are difficult to wear for dogs. Dogs often rely on their tongues to dissipate heat, and their bodies don't have sweat glands. Cleanliness is very important. If you have come into contact with these pets, or went out, try to do as much cleaning as possible. If (the pet) has any symptoms, go to the veterinarian.
Reporter Li Yuqi Hu Dingxuan reports from Hong Kong
Editor-in-chief: [Yu Xiao]