Canine coronavirus cases confirmed in NSW

Authorities are working with the WHO to understand how a pet dog tested positive for coronavirus.

A Pomeranian owned by a conronavirus-infected person in Hong Kong reportedly tested ‘weak positive’ to the virus. Picture: istock

Hong Kong authorities are working with the World Health organisation to understand how a pet dog tested positive for coronavirus, after the global risk of the COVOID-19 outbreak was increased from “high” to “very high”.

Nasal and oral samples taken from the animal, a Pomeranian, which belongs to a 60-year-old infected woman in Hong Kong, returned a “weak positive” result but authorities say there is still no evidence that pets can contract the viral strain or infect humans.

The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it had quarantined the dog and would conduct more testing to confirm whether it had “really been infected with the virus or this is a result of environmental contamination of the dog’s mouth and nose”.

The Hong Kong government is “strongly” advising that pets of citizens infected with coronavirus be handed over for a 14-day period of quarantine and surveillance.

World Health Organisation technical lead Marie Van Kerkhove told reporters they were yet to determine whether coronavirus had entered a new phase.

“We’re working with (Hong Kong authorities) to understand the results, what further testing they’re doing and how they’re going to care for these animals,” Ms Van Kerkhove said.

“We’re working with authorities and scientists in Hong Kong ... to understand these results and to understand if the dog was actually infected or if the dog picked this up from a contaminated surface for example.”

Meanwhile, two cases of canine coronavirus have been confirmed in the northern rivers area of NSW by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission in what is an unrelated form of viral infection of a similar name.

Canine coronavirus causes stomach inflammation and is contagious to other dogs, but not transmissible to humans.

Coronavirus refers to the form the virus takes, characterised by a fringe of viral particles - or corona.

However, this news comes as a pet dog owned by a coronavirus sufferer in Hong Kong reportedly tested “weak positive” to COVID-19 on Friday according to the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in a statement said there was currently no evidence pets or other domestic animals can be infected with the new coronavirus.

A vaccine is available for canine coronavirus, but the WSAVA cautious against attempting to use the vaccine to offer some form of cross protection against COVID-19.

WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said there were many unknowns about COVID-19 and panic was unnecessary.

“We are concerned for animal welfare with reports of animals being abandoned or killed because their owners fear that they might carry the virus,” Dr Ryan said.

“There is no evidence that this is necessary and we urge our members to ensure owners follow our guidance and keep themselves and their companion animals safe.”

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission cautions all affected and in-contact greyhounds from the northern rivers properties are to be quarantined for at least 10 days.

The Commission said it will continue to monitor the spread of canine coronavirus on a daily basis and will undertake continuous risk assessments with further strict controls if needed.