The SPCA would like to inform members of the public to interpret the information just disseminated by the Agricultural, Fishery and Conservation Department (“AFCD”) appropriately. As such the SPCA would like to reiterate the following key points:
While the information tells us that the dog has a low-level of infection members of the public should note that the dog is showing no symptoms whatsoever. We have been informed the dog is currently very healthy and doing well at the quarantine centre.
Members of the public are advised to differentiate that ‘being infected’ does not equal being infectious and capable of spreading the COVID-19 virus. We wish to remind the public that there is no evidence that companion animals can transmit the disease to humans.
As the AFCD said, it is very likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission. The SPCA advises pet owners to exercise stringent personal hygiene. If an owner is suspicious of being infected with the virus, he/she shall consider limiting his/her contact with their pet animals.