 |
| Dog and cat. Photo Image Today © News1 |
As the first confirmed case of a new companion animal coronavirus infection (Corona 19) in Korea, people’s concerns are growing. However, experts such as veterinarians, both domestic and foreign cases were infected with companion animals from humans, and urge them to make a daily life such as washing their hands rather than excessive fear, and to follow the quarantine rules as usual.
According to the veterinary office on the 25th, there have been no reports of cases of corona 19 infection from companion animals to humans. The day before, the quarantine authorities announced that a kitten raised by a mother and daughter who was staying at Jinju International Prayer Center has been diagnosed with Corona 19. Jo-Yeol Jo, a professor at Seoul National University’s Veterinary University, who is the CEO of Seoul National University venture company Protanbio, also claimed that he tested positive for dogs of confirmed patients living in the Gyeonggi area with an animal corona 19 antigen diagnostic kit. In both cases, human-to-animal infection is suspected.
Regarding this, Kim Hyun-wook, chairman of the Korea Veterinary Clinical Forum, said, “Animals do not develop corona 19 infection as easily as humans. In order for the infection to actually occur, it must be exposed to a certain amount of virus, not one or two viruses, and the virus must enter the body through a receptor. “But dogs, cats and humans have different receptors, so the risk of infection is low,” he said.
CEO Kim continued, “There are concerns that abandonment will increase because a companion animal has Corona 19, but now that people are living like dogs and cats, the abandonment will not increase immediately.” It seems that walking with pets will not be a problem at the level of maintaining the posture.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that Corona 19 can spread to people through the skin or fur of companion animals. Accordingly, pets should not be washed or bathed with chemical disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitizers, cleaning cloths, and industrial detergents. Pets with sensitive skin can get hurt.
According to the quarantine guidelines suggested by the center, those infected with Corona 19 should not come into contact with companion animals and other animals. If possible, let someone in your family take care of your pet when you are sick. If you need to take care of your pet when you are sick, or if you need to be near an animal, it’s best to wear a mask and wash your hands before and after contact.
My Pet Consultation Center Yoon Saem said, “Because cases of infection from pets to humans have not been confirmed worldwide, there is no need to feel unnecessary fear.” It is necessary to abide by the basic rules, such as refraining from restraint. If you are a confirmed person of Corona 19, you should refrain from contact with companion animals,” he advised.
[해피펫] You can find more information on animal health and education in’News 1 Happy Pet’, a happy companion between humans and animals. We look forward to your reports.