AFCD said dogs in the homes of people diagnosed with the new coronavirus showed a weak positive test for the virus.
AFCD received a referral from the Department of Health on Wednesday, sending medical staff to the confirmed person’s residence in Tai Hang, picking up the dog, and taking it to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port Animal Residency to take samples from the mouth, nose and anus.
A new coronavirus test was performed, in which oral and nasal samples showed a weak positive response in the test, and the dog did not have any associated symptoms. The AFCD stated that there is no data to prove that pets will become infected or become infected with the virus. The Department will closely monitor the dogs and take further samples for testing to determine whether the dog is infected with the virus or the virus are just on the nose and mouth of the dog.
The Department will continue to conduct repeated tests on the dogs. After the test results are negative, the dogs will be returned. The mammals and pets of confirmed patients are strongly quarantined to ensure public and animal health.