Dogs, Cats, and Other 'Companion Animals' to Also Undergo COVID Testing

Pet COVID-19 Infection Cases Confirmed... Seoul City to Begin Testing from the 8th

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to conduct COVID-19 tests on companion animals such as dogs and cats following confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in pets.

On the 8th, Park Yumi, Seoul's Disease Control Officer, stated in an online briefing, "Seoul will begin COVID-19 testing on companion animals, specifically dogs and cats, starting today due to confirmed infections in pets."

Accordingly, considering the self-quarantine status of the owners, the 'Seoul Animal Transport Specimen Collection Team,' which includes veterinarians, will visit homes to conduct the tests. This measure takes into account that owners are likely to be confirmed cases or close contacts under self-quarantine.

However, even if a companion animal tests positive for COVID-19, they will not be isolated in separate facilities but will be quarantined and cared for at home for 14 days. This is because there have been no reports of COVID-19 transmission from pets to humans so far. In cases where all owners are hospitalized due to confirmed infection, or if the owners are elderly or have underlying health conditions, Seoul will provide care for the animals in animal isolation facilities.

Officer Park emphasized, "When walking dogs in daily life, please maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from other people and animals, wear masks, and thoroughly wash your hands to adhere to prevention guidelines."

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