Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 8: The fact that domesticated animals have now started suffering from coronavirus infection has given rise to cause of worry among the people, particularly those under home quarantine.

There was no bar on the quarantined persons dealing with pets. All they needed to maintain was social distance from humans. But the information that a cat from Belgium, tiger from USA and dog from China have contracted this infection, has given rise to new worry.

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The people under home quarantine have fondled and played with pets. The other members of their families also have played with the animals. Now there is tension over the possibility of the animals getting coronavirus infection from humans and then passing it on to other family members.

Dr Prayag, assistant professor at Karnataka Veterinary, Fisheries and Animal Sciences University College at Hebbal Bengaluru says that this has proved that infected people and suspects have to maintain social distance from pets too. Those providing food to pet animals should wash their hands properly after providing food and care to animals. Veterinarians should be contacted if any change in health of animals is noticed. People suffering from health disorders or coronavirus symptoms should stay away from animals. Till a clearer picture emerges, one should as far as possible, avoid playing, fondling, and sharing of food with pet animals.