British dog first caught Covid-19 after owners tested positive

The dog is believed to have contracted the virus from its owners who previously tested positive.

The dog is currently relax at home.

Experts assure that there is no evidence that the dog was involved in transmitting the disease to its owners, or that pets or other pets in general are capable of transmitting the disease Covid-19 to people.

This is the first confirmed case of a dog infected with Covid-19 in the UK. The virus was found in a cat last year in the same lab.

The case was reported to the World Organization for Animal Health in accordance with international agreements.

Senior Veterinarian Christine Middlemiss said: “Tests carried out by the Animal and Phytosanitary Authority have confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a domestic dog in the UK.

“The infected dog was treated for another unrelated condition and is now recovering.

“Dogs very rarely become infected and usually show only mild clinical symptoms and recover within a few days.

“There is no clear evidence that pets can transmit the virus directly to humans. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and update our guidelines for pet owners should the situation change. ”

Dr. Katherine Russell, Consultant Medical Epidemiologist with the UK Health Authority, said: “Covid-19 is predominantly transmitted from person to person, but in some situations the virus can be transmitted from person to animal.

“In accordance with general public health guidelines, you should wash your hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.”

Cat or dog owners who have Covid-19 should avoid their pets during the infection, experts warned a few months ago.

Scientists in the Netherlands found that the coronavirus is spread among domestic cats and dogs whose owners have the disease.

While the cases of owners passing Covid-19 on to their pets pose a small public health risk, according to the scientists, there is a “potential risk” that pets will act as a “reservoir” for the coronavirus and reintroduce it to humans could.