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Hong Kong - Gov: Detection of low level of COVID-19 virus in pet dog - February 28, 2020

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  • Hong Kong - Gov: Detection of low level of COVID-19 virus in pet dog - February 28, 2020

    Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0022800013.htm

    Detection of low level of COVID-19 virus in pet dog
    *****************************************


    A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 28) that a pet dog had been tested weak positive to COVID-19 virus.

    The AFCD received a referral from the Department of Health on February 26 that a dog of a patient infected with COVID-19 disease virus will be handed over to the AFCD. Staff of the AFCD picked up the dog from a residential flat at Tai Hang in the evening on the same day and sent the dog to the animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Oral, nasal and rectal samples were collected for testing of COVID-19 virus. The nasal and oral cavity samples were tested weak positive to COVID-19 virus. The dog does not have any relevant symptoms.

    The above dog is the only dog under quarantine at animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge at the moment. There are no other animals using the said facility. Staff of the department will step up cleansing and disinfection of the animal keeping facility.

    At present, the AFCD does not have evidence that pet animals can be infected with COVID-19 virus or can be a source of infection to people. The Department will conduct close monitoring of the above dog and collect further samples for testing to confirm if the dog has really been infected with the virus or this is a result of environmental contamination of the dog's mouth and nose. Repeated tests will be conducted for the dog and it will only be returned when the test result is negative.

    The spokesman said that to ensure public and animal health, the department strongly advise mammalian pets of patients confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19 virus to be put under quarantine by the AFCD. The pets will be delivered to the designated animal keeping facilities of the AFCD for quarantine and veterinary surveillance for 14 days. Samples will be collected for testing of COVID-19 virus as appropriate.

    The spokesman reminded the pet owners to maintain a good habit of hygiene, and wash their hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol sanitiser after contacting pets. Pet owners shall wear masks while going out. If there are any changes in the health condition of the pets, advice from veterinarians should be sought as soon as possible.



    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2020
    Issued at HKT 0:55

  • #2
    hat tip @hayesluk


    Wuhan pneumonia] Hong Kong's first case! Oral and nasal cavity diagnosed with rich wife Zhou Qiaoer's pet dog suspected of weak positive reaction to virus

    The first case of dogs positive for Wuhan pneumonia virus occurred in Hong Kong. A spokesman for AFCD, Chen Chen, suddenly issued a statement saying that a dog living in the home of a confirmed person had a "weak positive response" to the virus test. The Department recommends that confirmed persons send animals to designated places for quarantine and virus testing.


    The AFCD stated that it had received a referral from the Department of Health on the 26th of this month, stating that a dog with a confirmed illness need only be handed to the AFCD. AFCD staff picked up the dogs at a residence in Tai Hang in the evening of the same day and immediately took them to the animal shelter at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port. They took samples from their mouth, nose and anus for Wuhan pneumonia virus test. Among them, the oral and nasal samples showed a weak positive reaction in the test. The dog did not show any symptoms.

    The AFCD did not specify the identity of the confirmed person, but so far, only the 85th case, that is, horse owner Zhou Qiaoer and his domestic helper lived in the Swiss Garden of Tai Hang. Photos of Zhou and his pet dog can also be found on the Internet. It is believed that a positive dog is its pet. According to the Health Protection Center's announcement yesterday (27th), Zhou Qiaoer visited No. 6 Changming Street, Wan Chai on the 22nd. According to information, the shop at the address is the Happy Veterinary Clinic and Hospital.


    The AFCD emphasized that at present, only the above-mentioned dogs are quarantined at the animal shelters of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, and there are no other animals. Department staff will step up cleaning and disinfection of facilities in the residence. Although the Department has no data to prove that pets will be infected with the virus or spread the new coronavirus, the Department will closely monitor the dogs and take further samples for testing to determine whether the dog is infected with the virus or only its mouth and mouth. The nose is infected with the virus from the environment. The Department will continue to conduct repeated tests on the dogs, and will return the dogs only after the test results are negative.

    The AFCD stated that in order to ensure the health of the public and animals, the department strongly recommends that pets (mammals) of confirmed patients be quarantined. It will be sent to AFCD-designated animal shelters, undergo 14-day quarantine and veterinary surveillance, and be tested for new coronaviruses as appropriate.

    The agency reminds pet owners to always maintain good hygienic habits. After contacting pets, they should use soap and water or alcohol hand rub to thoroughly clean their hands; owners should wear masks when going out. If you notice changes in your pet's health, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian as soon as possible.

    Or the world ’s first animal infection.

    Veterinary experts from the Animal Care Society, the Veterinary Society and City University have called on pet owners this month. There is no evidence that cats and dogs can only get sick with the new coronavirus. There are rumors in the market that have caused some pet owners to worry Pets are abandoned for personal health, emphasizing that the rumors are baseless, and that there are no known risks that suggest that humans will be infected with the new coronavirus from pets.

    The WHO also stated earlier that there is no evidence that domestic cats and dogs will be infected with the new coronavirus, and there have been no reports of 2019 cases of the new coronavirus transmitted to pets. As for whether it is a virus variant that can be transmitted to other animals, there is no case for the time being, which means that this pet dog in Hong Kong is suspected to be infected with the new coronavirus, which is likely to be the first case in the world.

    Pet Vaccination Tips
    ● When the owner comes back from outside, wash his hands with soap before touching the pet.
    ● Use moistened diluted bleach to mop the floor and wipe pet utensils, but remember to wipe it with water to avoid cats and dogs licking into bleach.
    ● Try not to bring pets to In the wild, reduce the chance of contact with other animals (especially wild animals)
    ● After taking a pet out, you can strengthen your hands and feet and apply pet-specific detergents
    ● Do not keep cats and dogs close to the feces of other animals, and do not discard your home at will pet droppings
    ● regular basis to help cats and dogs a bath
    Source: "Apple" Reference Room

    https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local...tent=link_post

    Comment


    • #3
      SARS-COV-2,
      Hong Kong (SAR - PRC)
      Information received on 01/03/2020 from Dr Thomas Sit, Chief Veterinary Officer / Assistant Director (Inspection & Quarantine), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong , Hong Kong (SAR - PRC)
      Summary
      Report type Immediate notification
      Date of start of the event 26/02/2020
      Date of confirmation of the event 28/02/2020
      Report date 29/02/2020
      Date submitted to OIE 01/03/2020
      Reason for notification Emerging disease
      Morbidity 1 (scale 0 to 5)
      Mortality 0 (scale 0 to 5)
      Zoonotic impact Zoonotic potential unknown at this time
      Causal agent COVID-19
      New outbreaks (1)
      Outbreak 1 Tai Hang, Islands District, Hong Kong
      Date of start of the outbreak 26/02/2020
      Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
      Epidemiological unit Other
      Affected animals
      Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered
      Dogs 1 1 0 0 0
      Affected population A dog kept in the same household as a confirmed COVID-19 patient. The animal did not show any relevant clinical signs.
      Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
      Total animals affected
      Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered
      Dogs 1 1 0 0 0
      Outbreak statistics
      Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
      Dogs 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
      *Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
      Epidemiology
      Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
      • Unknown or inconclusive
      Epidemiological comments The dog was placed under quarantine on 26 February 2020 after its owner was hospitalised due to COVID-19 infection. Following veterinary examination nasal, oral, rectal swabs as well as faeces were taken after the dog’s admission to the quarantine facility. Nasal and oral samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The dog has not exhibited any specific clinical signs. Additional samples taken on 28 February also tested positive. Investigations are continuing to determine the duration of virus detection. Risk management measures are in place for this case, including cleansing and disinfection of the premises, and proper personal hygiene and protection. Mammalian pets from households with confirmed human cases of COVID-19 will be be placed under quarantine and veterinary surveillance for 14 days. Samples will be collected for testing of SARS-CoV-2 as appropriate.
      Control measures
      Measures applied
      • Screening
      • Traceability
      • Quarantine
      • Disinfection
      • Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
      • No treatment of affected animals
      Measures to be applied
      • No other measures
      Diagnostic test results
      Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
      Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory (National laboratory) Dogs real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 28/02/2020 Positive
      Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (National laboratory) Dogs real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 27/02/2020 Positive
      School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong (Regional Reference Laboratory) Dogs real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 27/02/2020 Positive
      Future Reporting
      The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
      ...

      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
      -Nelson Mandela

      Comment


      • #4
        Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/chin...-idUSL4N2AX3Q8

        UPDATE 1-Hong Kong coronavirus patient's dog could be first human-to-animal transmission -experts

        HONG KONG, March 4 (Reuters) - Animal health experts said on Wednesday the quarantined dog of a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong could be the first case of human-to-animal transmission, although they cautioned the matter remained under investigation. The dog has tested “weak positive” for the virus which indicates a low level of infection, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said.

        “The department will continue to closely monitor the dog ... and repeat the test later. It will only be returned to its owner when the test result is negative,” an AFCD statement said...

        Comment


        • #5
          COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2),
          Hong Kong (SAR - PRC)
          Information received on 08/03/2020 from Dr Thomas Sit, Chief Veterinary Officer / Assistant Director (Inspection & Quarantine), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong , Hong Kong (SAR - PRC)
          Summary
          Report type Follow-up report No. 1
          Date of start of the event 26/02/2020
          Date of confirmation of the event 28/02/2020
          Report date 07/03/2020
          Date submitted to OIE 08/03/2020
          Reason for notification Emerging disease
          Morbidity 1 (scale 0 to 5)
          Mortality 0 (scale 0 to 5)
          Zoonotic impact Zoonotic potential unknown at this time
          Causal agent SARS-CoV-2
          Related reports Immediate notification (29/02/2020)
          Follow-up report No. 1 (07/03/2020)
          Outbreaks There are no new outbreaks in this report
          Epidemiology
          Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
          • Unknown or inconclusive
          Epidemiological comments The dog was placed under quarantine on 26 February 2020 after its owner was hospitalised due to COVID-19 infection. Following veterinary examination nasal, oral, rectal swabs as well as faeces were taken after the dog’s admission to the quarantine facility. Nasal and oral samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The dog has not exhibited any specific clinical signs. Follow up nasal, oral and rectal swab samples and faeces were subsequently taken on 28 February and 2 and 5 March 2020. Both oral and nasal samples taken on 28 February 2020 tested positive. The nasal samples taken on 2 & 5 March continued to test positive. Investigation is ongoing. Risk management measures are in place for this case, including cleansing and disinfection of the premises, and proper personal hygiene and protection. Mammalian pets from households with confirmed human cases of COVID-19 will be be placed under quarantine and veterinary surveillance for 14 days. Samples will be collected for testing of SARS-CoV-2 as appropriate.
          Control measures
          Measures applied
          • Screening
          • Traceability
          • Quarantine
          • Disinfection
          • Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
          • No treatment of affected animals
          Measures to be applied
          • No other measures
          Diagnostic test results
          Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
          Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (National laboratory) Dogs real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 02/03/2020 Positive
          Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (National laboratory) Dogs real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 05/03/2020 Positive
          School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong (Regional Reference Laboratory) Dogs virus isolation Pending
          School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong (Regional Reference Laboratory) Dogs virus neutralisation test (VNT) Pending
          Future Reporting
          The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
          ...

          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment


          • #6
            I was afraid this would happen. I've seen the stress that family dogs experience if they are seized for research. The sampling procedures would have been traumatic for such an elderly, frightened dog. He must have endured until he knew his beloved owner was safe. I hope she will be OK because surviving to go home to take care of her dog was certainly a motivational factor for her. May she find comfort in knowing that he knew that she loved him and had not abandoned him at the end.
            This reminds me of the Ebola nurse's dog being slaughtered in Spain while she was in the hospital. So much for our age of enlightenment.

            The 17-year-old Pomeranian, which belonged to a now-recovered Covid-19 patient, had been under mandatory quarantine at a government facility since February 26, and returned home last Saturday.

            First dog found with coronavirus has died after returning home virus-free from quarantine, Hong Kong authorities reveal
            • The 17-year-old Pomeranian, which belonged to a Covid-19 patient, had been quarantined at a government facility since February 26, and returned home on Saturday
            • Owner said she was not willing to allow an autopsy to determine cause of death, according to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

            Lilian Cheng
            Published: 2:04am, 18 Mar, 2020
            _____________________________________________

            Ask Congress to Investigate COVID Origins and Government Response to Pandemic.

            i love myself. the quietest. simplest. most powerful. revolution ever. ---- nayyirah waheed

            "...there’s an obvious contest that’s happening between different sectors of the colonial ruling class in this country. And they would, if they could, lump us into their beef, their struggle." ---- Omali Yeshitela, African People’s Socialist Party

            (My posts are not intended as advice or professional assessments of any kind.)
            Never forget Excalibur.

            Comment


            • #7
              Added for historical perspective as to the number of confirmed human cases of COVID-19 in Hong Kong as of this date:


              CHP investigates additional case of COVID-19
              *************************************
              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 28), the CHP is investigating one additional case of COVID-19, taking the number of confirmed cases to 94 in Hong Kong so far.

              The confirmed case today involves a 61-year-old female passenger of Diamond Princess cruise (the 94th case). The patient, with underlying illnesses, stayed on the cruise from January 25 to February 19 and returned to Hong Kong by a chartered flight arranged by the Hong Kong Government on February 20. Her respiratory specimen showed preliminary positive results for COVID-19 virus on February 27 and she was transferred from Chun Yeung Estate quarantine camp to Queen Mary Hospital. Her respiratory specimen was confirmed positive for COVID-19 virus today. She is now in a stable condition. Her husband, elder sister and elder sister’s husband, who travelled with her on the cruise, have no symptoms and are currently under quarantine in Chun Yeung Estate quarantine camp.

              Meanwhile, the CHP is continuing its investigations into the cluster related to a Buddhist temple named Fook Wai Ching She. People who had visited the temple on January 25 onwards are urged to call the CHP hotline and those who developed relevant symptoms will be arranged to hospitals for treatment.

              The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

              A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, clusters are observed in local community involving large meal gatherings and other gatherings. Members of the public are urged to go out less and reduce social activities such as meals gatherings or other gatherings, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

              The spokesman said, "The CHP strongly urged the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On the personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes."

              "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

              The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the Hospital Authority.

              The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 23 583 calls were received.

              Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public grasp the latest updates.

              To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:

              • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
              • Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
              • Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a liter of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene;
              • After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
              • Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
              • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
              • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

              The public should take heed of the health advice below when travelling outside Hong Kong:

              • Do not travel to Hubei Province of Mainland where there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 virus;
              • Avoid unnecessary travel to Korea (especially Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do where the majority of the cases were reported);
              • When travelling to countries/areas with active community transmission of COVID-19 virus, the public should avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong;
              • Avoid visiting hospitals. If it is necessary to visit a hospital, put on a surgical mask and observe strict personal and hand hygiene;
              • Avoid touching animals (including game), poultry/birds or their droppings;
              • Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms;
              • Avoid making close contact with patients, especially those with symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
              • Do not consume game meat and do not patronise food premises where game meat is served;
              • Adhere to food safety and hygiene rules such as avoiding consuming raw or undercooked animal products, including milk, eggs and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or contaminated products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
              • If feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if experiencing a fever or cough, wear a surgical mask, inform the hotel staff or tour escort and seek medical advice at once; and
              • After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if experiencing a fever or other symptoms, take the initiative to inform the doctor of any recent travel history and any exposure to animals, and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease.


              Ends/Friday, February 28, 2020

              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 28), the CHP is investigating one additional case of COVID-19, taking...

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