A British shorthair cat. Photo:Xinhua

 

A shorthair hybrid cat in Hong Kong has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the third animal known to have contracted the virus after two dogs also tested positive in the city. 

No evidence has shown that pet animals could be a source of infection, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on Tuesday, citing the city's Agricultural and Fisheries department, calling on the public not to abandon pets under any circumstances. 

Previously, Hong Kong media reported that two dogs had tested weak positive and positive for COVID-19. 

The owner of the shorthair hybrid cat is a confirmed patient. 

Samples taken from the cat's oral, nasal and rectal samples tested positive for novel coronavirus. The cat has shown no symptoms related to COVID-19. 

The Agricultural and Fisheries department said it will continue to monitor the cat and conduct repeated tests on it. 

Belgium has reported that a cat tested positive for COVID-19. 

The World Health Organization has said there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission in pets, but the positive tests among pet animals has alerted many pet owners. 

According to a recent online poll conducted by a pet market platform, most pet owners said they will pay greater attention to the possibility of pets becoming infected with the virus and will not abandon them. 

Global Times