Press Releases
Pet cats test positive for COVID-19 virus
Friday, February 4, 2022
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 4) that samples collected from two pet cats sent to the AFCD tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
The case involves five domestic short-hair cats that lived in Sheung Shui. When the owner was found to be a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, the cats were sent to the AFCD for quarantine today. The department collected samples from all these cats for testing. Results showed that samples taken from two of the cats tested positive for the virus. However, the cats have not shown any COVID-19 symptoms. The AFCD will continue to closely monitor the cats and conduct follow up 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 have taken ill 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 pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.
As of today, 9 dogs and 10 cats tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
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