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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cormac O'Shea

Can your pet get and spread the coronavirus? Expert advice issued on the disease

One big concern amongst people other than their own health is that of their pets.

With the coronavirus spreading rapidly throughout Europe and the rest of the world, there are fears that anyone could be affected next.

Many are concerned that their cats or dogs could be hit by the killer virus - but is this true?

World Health Organisation experts have said that there is no evidence that pets can contract the virus - although you still should exercise precautions.

Medics say there is no connection between canine coronavirus and COVID-19 (Getty Images)

A WHO spokesperson said: "At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.

"However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans."

But the news comes as authorities in Hong Kong warned pet owners not to kiss their animals after a dog tested "weak positive" for the coronavirus.

The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said experts agreed the results suggested the dog had "a low-level of infection" which was "likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission”.

In total there are more than 90,000 global cases of the coronavirus recorded worldwide with little more than 3,000 deaths.

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