Coronavirus crosses another species barrier, infects pet dog

The death toll in many countries outside of China is now increasing rapidly due to the coronavirus pandemic. The toll in Italy has crossed 100. Meanwhile, a pet dog has been found to have coronavirus infection in Hong Kong.

That the pet dog of a 60-year-old woman in Hong Kong is infected with coronavirus is confirmed. This is the second instance of the coronavirus crossing a species barrier after the outbreak of the disease that human beings had acquired from infected animal food (snakes most probably) from the Wuhan market — if not the agent leaked from a laboratory preparing biological warfare tools for China.

The dog got the infection from its owner, a woman. However, the health authorities there have described the strain as less potent. The dog is being treated separately and kept in an animal centre there.

Coronavirus-infected dog is Pomeranian

The Agriculture Fisheries Conservation Department (AFCD) said, “A Pomeranian dog was investigated several times for coronavirus. A low-level coronavirus infection has been found in the investigation. The World Organisation of Animal Health has acknowledged that it is a case of virus transfer from human to animal.”

“Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets,” an AFCD spokesman said.

After the case surfaced in Hong Kong, dogs are being kept separately. Two dogs have been kept separate. The second belongs to another coronavirus patient.

Although the patient has tested negative, he will be examined again. Officials said that the Pomeranian dog will be constantly examined and only when it is tested negative will it be handed over to the owner.

So far, 104 people have been infected with the corona in Hong Kong.

Origin and spread of pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19), started from Wuhan, China, if that country’s official claim is to be believed. It is wreaking havoc in more than 60 countries of the world.

So far, around 3,100 people have died of coronavirus worldwide, including the official figure released from China, while 90,000 people are infected with the biological agent.

There have been 30 positive cases of coronavirus in India out of which three have so far recovered.

Nine people have died in the US. America’s Seattle is the most affected.

In Italy, more than 100 people have died due to coronavirus. Italy is the only country in Europe where coronavirus has caused so much devastation. All schools and universities in Italy have been closed for security until 15 March.