DOG walkers should make sure their pets observe social distancing so they don’t catch coronavirus, a US health agency has warned.
The Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance saying pooches should stay at least 6ft apart from other animals and their owners outdoors.
Experts say dogs can catch Covid-19 from humans, although it is not clear if they can then infect other pets and people.
The FDA said the usual 6ft social distancing rule for people should also apply to pets, and that dogs should be kept on a short lead.
The agency says in a public information video: “Though it doesn’t seem like animals can give you the virus, it appears you can give it to them.
“So if you’re sick, avoid direct contact with your pets. If possible, have someone else care for them until you’re well again.”
The FDA advises limiting contact with your pet if you are sick with coronavirus, and washing your hands regularly if you can’t.
It adds: “Consider avoiding dog parks and other crowded public places.”
Although the FDA says animals cannot apparently infect humans, last week UK government Sage scientists warned people COULD catch coronavirus from pets’ fur.
And last month two people were thought to have caught the disease from mink at a farm in Holland – Europe’s first potential animal-to-human transmission.
Domestic cats have also been infected, as have tigers and lions in Bronx zoo which are believed to have caught it from their keepers.
A recent study in Hong Kong examined 17 dogs and eight cats from households where a person had become sick with Covid-19 or come in close contact with a confirmed patient.
Out of that group, two dogs tested positive for coronavirus, while the cats all came back negative.
Most pets that get sick appear to have only mild symptoms and fully recovered.
“A small number of pet cats and dogs have been reported to be infected with the virus in several countries, including the United States”, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Most of these pets became sick after contact with people with Covid-19.”
Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organisation’s health emergencies program, said it is “really important we remain respectful and kind” to infected animals.
He said: “They’re beings in their own right, and they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They’re victims like the rest of us.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11882671/keep-your-dog-socially-distanced-coronavirus-fda/