A veterinary doctor has alerted people to the potential risk of pets, such as cats and dogs, being able to transmit Coronavirus between humans, although the likelihood of this occurrence is minimal.
The veterinarian’s warning comes in response to growing concerns about the possibility of humans contracting Coronavirus from their pets.
In a recent incident, a tiger at a zoo in New York City tested positive for Coronavirus, marking the first known case of Covid-19 in a US animal. The virus was then transmitted to six other lions and tigers at the same zoo. While scientists have stated that pets are unable to transmit the virus to humans, veterinary doctor Dr. Scott Miller believes that pets could potentially transfer the virus through their fur.
During an appearance on the British daytime TV program ‘This Morning’ with host Philip Scoffield, Dr. Scott stated, “So at the moment we don’t believe that cats can, or any animal, pass it back to us from the initial infection.”
He further added, “Now we don’t believe at all that dogs or cats can transmit it back to us as an infected host. What we are concerned about is that they may be able to act as a surface – so if someone with Covid-19 coughs on their dog and then takes it for a walk, then you pet their dog and then touch your face, you could potentially pick up Covid-19 that way – although the chances are very very low.”
Dr. Scott also elaborated on a case involving a domestic cat in Belgium showing coronavirus symptoms after its owner tested positive for the virus. Both the cat and the owner have since recovered, but this raises concerns within the veterinary profession. Dr. Scott emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices and advised against touching other people’s pets at this time.
For more details, watch the video below.