A relief to pet owners: There's no evidence that companion animals such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus as of now, according to the World Health Organization.
Like previous SARS viruses, Covid-19 transmits primarily through droplets of coughing, sneezing, saliva, or discharge from the nose. While pets generate droplets quite easily, there are
significant barriers for the virus to jump from humans to animals, and vice versa. In rare situations, when a pet carries the virus, it's unlikely that it would spread to a person.
As more people start exercising social distancing and working from home, more frequent contact with your dog, cat or another pet is inevitable. WHO advises washing your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. It's the pet owners, rather than pets, that have a higher risk of spreading the virus.
|
