The news of a pet dog in Hong Kong that tested positive for the new coronavirus, COVID-19, has led to a new pet quarantine rule in Taipei. Researchers in Taiwan are also working on an official COVID-19 test for pets.
Can pets carry COVID-19? Well, a pet dog in Hong Kong tested “weak positive” for the virus last week. Taipei now requires pets of quarantined persons to be quarantined at Taipei’s Animal Protection Office. Do pet owners think it’s necessary?
One woman says “Yes” but another says "no".
The city set the fee for pet quarantine at NT$200 a day (about US$7) with a maximum of NT$3000 (about US$100). Taiwan is also preparing to test pets for the coronavirus.
Agricultural council official Chiu Chui-chang says the council has proposed a testing method for animals and will work with experts to finalize the testing process. The council says there’s no evidence that pets can catch COVID-19. But veterinarian Lu Pao-hsien says they can be carriers. He says, “Pets have close contact with their owners. Think of pets like masks. Masks don’t get sick. Pets may not get sick but they can carry the virus.”
He suggests that owners reduce their pet’s exposure to other people and that people keep a distance from other people's pets. But if you can’t resist interacting with a pet, be sure to wash your hands.