First Domestic COVID-19 Positive Case in a Pet Confirmed... Prime Minister Jeong Calls for Management Guidelines Establishment

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters Meeting for COVID-19' held on the 22nd at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] The first case of a companion animal testing positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been confirmed in South Korea.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 24th, "During the epidemiological investigation of a recent cluster infection case, the quarantine authorities confirmed that a companion animal was infected with COVID-19."

Prime Minister Chung instructed, "For those living daily with companion animals and the public who frequently come into contact with them, the Central Disease Control Headquarters should scientifically assess the possibility of COVID-19 transmission between humans and animals and disclose the findings transparently to alleviate concerns."

He continued, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs should coordinate with the quarantine authorities to establish management guidelines for companion animals and take measures to prevent any anxiety."

Since the global outbreak of COVID-19 began, cases of dogs and cats infected through their owners have been reported in countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Brazil, but this is the first confirmed case in South Korea.