There Are Suspected Cases of COVID-19 Infection in Dogs Following Cats

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] Amid the first confirmed case of a pet cat testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Korea, claims have emerged of a suspected COVID-19 positive case in a pet dog as well.

According to Professor Jo Je-yeol of Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine, who is also the CEO of the Seoul National University venture company "Protan Bio," on the 19th, a 5-year-old male French Bulldog tested positive for COVID-19 at a hospital in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Earlier, the owner living in Gyeonggi-do was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on the 17th, and the French Bulldog was sent to a designated hospital that cares for pets of COVID-19 patients.

Protan Bio, after developing a COVID-19 antigen diagnostic kit for animals and seeking approval from health authorities, was testing various pets for COVID-19 when it first detected a positive reaction in this French Bulldog.

This kit detects COVID-19 antigens directly from the animal's nasal mucus to determine infection status.

Professor Jo stated, "After detecting the positive reaction, we informed the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. To make an accurate diagnosis, we are conducting a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the French Bulldog, and the results are expected soon."

The French Bulldog is currently living in isolation without any abnormal symptoms and is reported to be in good health.