Can your dog, cat get coronavirus? Here’s what we know about the virus and your pets

Dogs and cats can test positive for low levels of coronavirus, according to the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

But you’re probably not going to get sick from snuggling with your pet, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention.

The findings come after a dog was quarantined last week in Hong Kong for testing “weak positive” for the virus, according to the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. The dog likely contracted the “low-level of infection” from contact with a human, the department said.

The dog “is doing well” and does not have symptoms, World Health Organization’s Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said Thursday.

A second dog is quarantined in Hong Kong, but it has tested negative for the virus, officials said.

So far, no evidence exists that could suggest pets can spread coronavirus, or COVID-19, the CDC says.

“There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus,” the agency said. “To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.”

But people who have the coronavirus should limit interaction with pets, the CDC advises.

“They should maintain separation from pets as they would with other household members, and avoid direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food,” according to the CDC.

In a news release Wednesday, a spokesman for Hong Kong’s agriculture department “reminded pet owners to adopt good hygiene practices, including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment.”

Dogs and cats traveling with their owners from China to the U.S. “must be healthy upon arrival,” according to the CDC. A valid rabies vaccination certificate must be shown for dogs, but it is not necessary for cats.

More than 95,000 people have contracted coronavirus and more than 3,200 have died worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The rising threat led to a 300% surge in sales last week for Texas-based company k9 Mask, which sells masks to protect dogs from dust, smoke and bacteria, Fox Business reported.

This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 7:57 AM with the headline "Can your dog, cat get coronavirus? Here’s what we know about the virus and your pets."