First Case of 'Pet COVID-19 Infection' Reported in Gyeonggi-do

Do "No cases of transmission by humans... Urges compliance with quarantine guidelines"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The first case of a pet infected with COVID-19 has been reported in the Gyeonggi region.

The province stated on the 23rd, "On the 15th, a pet dog living in the home of a confirmed COVID-19 patient residing in Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, showed some respiratory symptoms such as coughing at the time of testing."

On the 19th, the province collected test samples from the pet dog and conducted a primary test through the Gyeonggi Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory.

Since the primary test on the day of sample collection showed a positive reaction, a secondary test was conducted by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, and the final confirmation was made on the 20th.

The pet dog is currently isolated at the owner's home according to the COVID-19 related "Pet Management Guidelines," and it has been reported that the symptoms have improved.

The province plans to prohibit outdoor activities for 14 days from the date of confirmation and will decide whether to lift the isolation after the isolation period ends or after a detailed examination.

This is the first time a pet has been confirmed with COVID-19 in Gyeonggi-do. Nationwide, this is the fifth case following the first case in Jinju on the 24th of last month, then Seoul on the 14th of this month, and Sejong on the 18th.

A provincial official stated, "However, since there have been no cases of transmission from pets to humans so far, there is no need to feel great anxiety as long as quarantine rules are strictly followed."

Meanwhile, the province is providing a "Temporary Pet Care Service for COVID-19 Confirmed Patients," which temporarily cares for pets on behalf of confirmed patients in 31 cities and counties.