The coronavirus can also infect animals.
In the cat Corona infection has been diagnosed in Finland for the first time. The infection was confirmed in laboratory tests performed by the Food Agency.
“We have studied individual samples from cats and dogs. This is the first time our laboratory has confirmed the result, ”says the Chief Inspector Liisa Kaartinen From the Food Agency.
A sample confirmed to be positive was taken from a sick cat whose owner suspected it had been infected by humans. According to the owner, the cat is already better.
The finding of a cat’s corona does not result in any official action.
Coronavirus infections has been observed worldwide in a number of different animal species. Infections in pets have been reported mainly in cats and dogs. They usually have no symptoms.
“In cats it [koronavirus] can cause respiratory symptoms and fatigue just like humans. Quite often the symptoms seem to remain fairly mild and the animal recovers. But depending on the age and resistance of the cat, yes it can be a serious disease. At least deaths have been reported in cats kept in zoos, ”Kaartinen says.
If a pet owner suffers from coronary heart disease or any infectious disease, he or she should avoid unnecessary handling of the animals. Your hands should always be washed thoroughly, for example before handling your pet’s food.
“A sick person should keep a distance, especially a cat. That it is not in the armpit or on the stomach, so that human coughs and sneezes do not directly expose it to the virus, ”Kaartinen says.
Food Agency However, based on current knowledge, transmission of coronavirus to pets is very rare. Infections do not appear to play a role in the spread of coronavirus.
“Humans are considered to be the main spread of this virus,” Kaartinen says.
If you suspect that your pet has been infected with a corona, you should keep the animal indoors. If your pet’s symptoms require veterinary attention, the owner should first contact the veterinarian by phone and report a suspected corona on the phone.
The Food Agency recalls that vaccinating people also protects pets.
“Even if a person is not completely saved from the disease, at least the amount of virus excreted is reduced and it protects the animals as well,” Kaartinen says.
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