The emergence of the new coronavirus has spurred fears worldwide and many pet owners are wondering whether their furry friends will be impacted. But need they be concerned?
Recent news of a dog in Hong Kong returning a "weak positive" test result for COVID-19 and the uncertainty around the possibility of human-to-animal or animal-to-human transmissions have led people to wonder about what steps they should take to ensure that they and their pets stay safe.
Researchers say that just as coronaviruses can live on surfaces or objects, they could also linger on the fur of a dog or cat, even if the animal has not contracted the virus. Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is testing whether the dog was infected with the virus or just contaminated with it.