Pet dog tested 'weak positive' for virus quarantined

The first pet dog to test "weak positive" for the novel coronavirus had not shown symptoms, local authorities said on Friday.

Despite that, the dog, which belongs to a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong, has been put in quarantine, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.

There was not sufficient evidence to suggest that pets could contract the coronavirus or be a source of infection to humans, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siuchee told the media on Friday.

Patients confirmed to have contracted the virus are strongly advised to put their pets in designated animal-keeping facilities for quarantine and veterinary surveillance for 14 days, the spokesman added.

The dog was collected from a residential flat in Tai Hang on the evening of the same day and sent to the animal-keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Nasal and oral samples tested weak positive for the virus.

More tests need to be carried out to confirm whether the dog had been infected with the virus or whether the test results were caused by contamination of the dog's mouth and nose, the department said.

It will only be released from quarantine when all test results are negative.

People on compulsory home quarantine may stay with their pets, or bring them to a vet, the department advised, which also recommended finding other friends and relatives who are not under quarantine to walk the dogs.

According to the World Health Organization, although there is no evidence that animals such as dogs and cats can contract the novel coronavirus, "it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets".