If Pets Test Positive for COVID-19, They Must Undergo 'Self-Quarantine'

Jungdaebon "No Cases of COVID-19 Transmitted from Pets to Humans"

Pets will also be able to undergo COVID-19 testing in the future. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] Recently, as a companion animal in Korea tested positive for COVID-19 for the first time, companion animals will now be able to undergo COVID-19 testing.

On the 31st, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), the government received a report on the "COVID-19 Related Companion Animal Management Guidelines" from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs during the CDSCH meeting and discussed related measures.

According to health authorities, at the Jinju International Prayer Center, where more than 100 confirmed cases occurred, one cat kept there tested positive during the epidemiological investigation.

The related guidelines include infection prevention rules to be followed when living daily with companion animals, as well as how to manage companion animals when a person is confirmed positive for COVID-19.

In particular, if a companion animal has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case or shows suspected symptoms, it is required to undergo diagnostic testing at each city or provincial animal hygiene testing center. The tests are conducted on dogs and cats.

If a companion animal tests positive for COVID-19, self-quarantine is the principle. If self-quarantine is difficult, local governments may provide entrusted care services depending on their circumstances.

The CDSCH stated, "We will closely monitor and transparently disclose evaluations regarding the possibility of COVID-19 transmission between humans and animals," and added, "Companion animal owners need not have vague anxiety."

Meanwhile, the CDSCH emphasized that there have been no cases of COVID-19 transmission from companion animals to humans.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated regarding the earlier cat case, "While some cases of companion animals being infected after contact with COVID-19 confirmed persons have been confirmed, there is no evidence of transmission from companion animals to humans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.