First Domestic Pet Confirmed with COVID-19... "No Cases of Animal-to-Human Transmission" (Update)

Confirmation of Cat Testing Positive at Jinju International Prayer Center in Gyeongnam

On the 24th, when the domestic situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) showed a gradual decline, medical staff were collecting specimens at a temporary screening clinic set up in the plaza of Seoul Station. The Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that as of midnight on the same day, 392 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 75,084. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the first case of a companion animal testing positive for COVID-19 has been confirmed in South Korea, health authorities stated, "There have been no confirmed cases of transmission from companion animals to humans so far."

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular briefing on the 24th, "So far, not only in our country but worldwide, cases of companion animals presumed to have been infected from humans have been reported," adding, "Conversely, no cases of transmission from companion animals to humans have been confirmed."

On the same day, it was confirmed that a cat at the Jinju International Prayer Center in Gyeongnam tested positive for COVID-19. During the epidemiological investigation, health authorities confirmed the cat's positive status. Over 100 confirmed cases have been reported at the prayer center to date.

Son said, "The Central Disease Control Headquarters is currently collecting overseas data more rigorously and investigating the impact of companion animal infection cases occurring domestically," adding, "Once the investigation is complete, the headquarters will make an announcement."

This result was confirmed through PCR testing conducted on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples taken from the cat's nose and mouth. According to the headquarters, until now, diagnostic tests were not separately conducted on companion animals living with confirmed human cases.

A representative from the headquarters explained, "According to overseas reports, even in cases where companion animals tested positive, symptoms such as coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting were observed."