AKIPRESS.COM - A pet dog belonging to a Covid-19 patient has contracted the coronavirus, Hong Kong health authorities confirmed on March 4, South China Morning Post reports.

Experts called it a “low-level infection” that was likely to be the first reported case of human-to-animal transmission of the disease.

The Pomeranian, which has repeatedly tested “weak positive” since last Friday – suggesting it was surface contamination, with the dog picking up traces of the virus in its nose and mouth rather than being actually infected – will now remain under quarantine with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further testing.

One respiratory disease expert questioned whether the dog could be declared infected without blood test results for final confirmation. The government only added to the confusion late on Wednesday when it issued a statement without clarifying that detail.

Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be too concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets, the spokesman added.