After the cat is diagnosed, Seoul stipulates that pets should also be tested for COVID-19
[Global Times Comprehensive Report] Seoul, the capital of South Korea, announced on the 8th that pets who have been in contact with patients diagnosed with the new crown and have suspected symptoms will also be tested for the new crown virus.
Yonhap News Agency reported that South Korea had its first confirmed case of new coronary pneumonia in a cat at the end of last month.
In order to prevent a similar situation from recurring, Seoul decided to carry out new coronavirus testing for pets.
According to the report, if a pet has symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, Seoul will send an epidemic prevention team composed of veterinarians to the pet's home for sampling and testing.
Once the new coronavirus test results are positive, pets need to be quarantined at home for 14 days, but do not need to be sent to an quarantine institution.
Because as of now, there is no evidence that pets can transmit the new coronavirus to humans.
However, if both the pet and the owner are diagnosed, or the owner is unable to take care of the pet due to old age, underlying diseases, etc., the confirmed pet will be sent to the Seoul City Animal Isolation Institution for care.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that pets that have been in contact with confirmed patients but have not shown suspected symptoms will not be tested.
(Kim Hye Jin)