A pet cat has tested positive in the UK for the strain of coronavirus that is causing the current pandemic.
Experts say it is the first confirmed case of infection in an animal in the UK but does not mean the disease is being spread to people by their pets.
It's thought the cat caught coronavirus from its owner, who had previously tested positive for the virus. Both have now recovered.
Health officials stress the case is very rare and no cause for alarm.
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: "This is a very rare event, with infected animals detected to date only showing mild clinical signs and recovering within in a few days.
"There is no evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change."
Yvonne Doyle, Public Health England's director for health protection, advised people to wash their hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.
An animal's fur could carry the virus for a time if a pet were to have come into contact with someone who was sick.
A private vet initially diagnosed feline herpes virus - a common cat respiratory infection - but the sample was also tested for Sars-Cov-2 as part of a research programme.
There has been a very small number of confirmed cases in pets in other countries in Europe, North America and Asia.
Daniella Dos Santos, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Our advice to pet owners who have Covid-19 or who are self-isolating with symptoms remains to restrict contact with their pets as a precautionary measure and to practise good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
"We also recommend that owners who are confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19 should keep their cat indoors if possible, but only if the cat is happy to be kept indoors. Some cats cannot stay indoors due to stress-related medical reasons."
Latest Stories
-
People have lost patriotism, passion for the nation – Sulemana Braimah
9 mins -
You can’t use context of past elections to determine what will happen in December polls- Alan
31 mins -
2024 poll: Don’t vote for Mahama; he has nothing new to offer – Afenyo-Markin
49 mins -
Saglemi Housing Project: Government promises transparency in divestiture
1 hour -
I don’t want to deceive myself as a politician – Alan Kyerematen
1 hour -
We will continue to provide more financing for Ghana despite not reaching agreement with Eurobond holders – IMF
1 hour -
Economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana gradually improving – IMF
2 hours -
Ghana’s inflation to average 11.5% in 2025; policy rate expected to reduce sharply – IMF
2 hours -
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
10 hours -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
13 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
14 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
14 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
14 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
15 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
16 hours