A second dog has tested positive for the new COVID-19 disease, according to health authorities in Hong Kong.
The disease is caused by the novel coronavirus, which The Epoch Times refers to as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mishandling allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic.
Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said this week that a pet dog repeatedly tested positive for COVID-19. The department previously reported that a different dog tested positive. That dog later died. The dog’s owner blocked officials from conducting an autopsy.
The new case involves a German Shepherd who was sent to quarantine after its owner tested positive for the new illness. Another dog from the same house that was sent to quarantine tested negative and neither dog has shown any signs of the illness, the department said in a statement.
“To ensure public and animal health, the Department strongly advises that mammalian pet animals including dogs and cats from households with persons confirmed as infected with COVID-19, or close contacts of COVID-19 infected persons, should be put under quarantine,” a spokesman said.
No evidence has shown that pet animals can transmit the new illness to humans or that COVID-19 can cause disease in dogs, the department said.
Experts said about the first case that it was likely an example of human-to-animal transmission of the CCP virus.
That case was being studied by World Health Organization officials.
The primary way COVID-19 is spread is from person to person, via close contact through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People can also become infected when coming into contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching their own eyes, mouth, or nose.
Avoiding sick people is one way to prevent becoming infected, as well as frequently washing hands and regularly cleaning objects and surfaces.
