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Pets can't spread coronavirus

Apr 08, 2020

Only 69 out of the country’s nearly four thousand Covid-19 cases are sporadic – meaning the source of infection cannot be traced.

The Health Director-General says the rest of the cases…originated from the four main clusters – the religious gathering in Sri Petaling, which is the biggest cluster, the wedding gathering in Bandar Baru Bangi, the church gathering in Sarawak, as well as the case involving the individual in Sarawak who got infected while in Italy.

This came as 170 new Covid-19 infections were reported yesterday, with one additional fatality.

In a related development, the Health Director-General says we’re at least a year and a half away from a viable vaccine for Covid-19.

He says even though there are parties around the world working on it, the initial research stage alone can take about six months.

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The Veterinary Services Department has clarified that pets do not spread the coronavirus. 

It explained that based on current scientific findings, some pets can be infected with Covid-19, but there is no indication they can spread it to humans. 

The department adds that the main cause of infection in animals is through human transmission, which is why those who suspect they are infected with Covid-19, should stay away from their pets.