Friday, 06 March 2020 12:01

Dog tests positive for coronavirus

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

More than 3,000 people have died from the coronavirus outbreak.

A dog has tested positive for Covid-19 in Hong Kong, but experts say people should not panic about animal to human transmission.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Hong Kong announced earlier this week that a pet dog had repeatedly tested weak positive for Covid-19.

The dog is showing no symptoms of the illness, however, the weak positive indicates a low-level infection with the virus.

More than 3,000 people have died from the coronavirus outbreak.

Experts from the School of Public Health of The University of Hong Kong, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) have agreed unanimously that the dog has a low-level infection that was likely caused by human-to-animal transmission.

An AFCD spokesman says this is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of Covid-19 or that the virus makes them sick.

The OIE says that the Covid-19 virus is a close relative of other coronaviruses found circulating in Rhinolophusbat (Horseshoe Bat) populations. It says it appears possible that transmission may have occurred from an intermediate host.

More like this

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exporters

Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact that, now more than ever, US farmers are being propped up by government welfare – a direct result of Trump’s hardline on its trading partners.

Strong wool eyes China

China looks set to play a key role in helping the New Zealand wool sector shift away from trading as a commodity supplier.

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.

Featured

Feds Label New Farmer Group 'Bad News'

A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.

Rising Fuel and Fertiliser Costs Hit NZ Farmers, ANZ Report Finds

According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.

Massey Ferguson and Eicher Drive Record Growth for TAFE in 2026

Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.

Farmlands and Donaghys Join Forces to Boost NZ Agricultural Capability

Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.

Fonterra launches farmer-led youth dairy programme in Waikato and Bay of Plenty

A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Government Amends Stock Exclusion Regulations for Low-Intensity Grazing

The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.