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Pet cat and dog test positive for COVID-19 virus
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     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (August 5) that samples from a pet cat and a pet dog sent to the AFCD have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
 
     The cases involve a Scottish short-haired cat and a Yorkshire Terrier dog that lived in Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po respectively. When the owners were found to be close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the cat and the dog were sent for quarantine at the AFCD on July 31. Samples collected from the cat and the dog by the department tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. However, neither of the animals has shown any symptoms at present. The AFCD will continue to closely monitor them and conduct repeated testing.
 
     The spokesman reminded pet owners to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment. People who are sick should restrict contact with animals. If any changes in the health condition of pets are spotted, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.
 
     The spokesman emphasised that currently there is no evidence that pets are playing a role in the spread of human infection with the COVID-19 virus. Pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.
 
Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:10
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