Instead of focusing on unfounded and irrational fears, find comfort in your animals during this challenging time.
Researchers have dismissed theories that the coronavirus can be
transmitted from dogs to humans. This, after a genetic analysis conducted at
the University of Hong Kong showed dogs testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 may
have caught the virus from their owners, but not the other way around.
According to Professor Malik Peiris, a clinical virologist at the
university, and main author of the study published in the journal Nature,
scientists who examined the genomic link of two dogs infected with
SARS-CoV-2 and members of the infected households suspect that the infection
was more likely passed from owner to dog. An analysis of viral genetic
sequences from the dogs showed them to be identical to those in the infected
people.
Peiris, whose current research encompasses the pathogenesis, innate immune
responses, transmission, ecology and epidemiology of human and animal
influenza viruses, furthermore stated that there was no evidence to suggest
that dogs could pass the infection to other dogs, or people.
As accurate information about the coronavirus becomes known, malicious
fabrications, fake news and hysteria that pets can spread the virus among
communities are being put to bed. The World Health Organization (WHO)
maintains that based on current evidence, human to human transmission
(spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes,
or speaks) remains the main driver of the pandemic. While The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reiterated that there is absolutely
no evidence pets can spread COVID-19 to people.
“We don’t want people to panic. We don’t want people to be afraid of pets,”
said Casey Barton Behravesh, a CDC official who works on human-animal health
connections. “There’s no evidence that pets are playing a role in spreading
this virus to people.”
“Yet another validation that man’s best friend is not a carrier of the
coronavirus is welcome news and will hopefully stop owners from believing
false rumours mostly circulated on social media and abandoning their pets in
fear – a tragic and emerging trend across the globe,” said David Barritt,
executive director of Network for Animals (NFA), a non-governmental,
international animal welfare organization crusading for animals around the
world.
“Our pets are family. We need to keep them safe and protect them. Wash your
hands of the myths. Understanding exactly how the virus is spread is both
key to saving our own lives, as well as ensuring that our beloved pets do
not become victims of panic.”
Barritt went on to say that instead of focusing on unfounded and irrational
fears, find comfort in your animals during this challenging time. “Our
companion animals in our lives are a source of great support. Pets,
especially dogs, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, provide
valuable companionship during lockdown, encourage exercise and playfulness,
and even improve your cardiovascular health. Perhaps most importantly,
though, your pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life, which
I think we all need right now.”
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