Army I thought this virus was previously contained to animals? Should we be suprised a dog can spread the disease?
Gib speak on this
Checking now. What I can tell you (and it’s not that well known) is that dogs, given their genetic similarity to us as well as intertwined and symbiotic living with humans, can catch some strains of influenza (usually they will show lesser symptoms, but they literally can get symptoms such as sniffles and sneeze). This particular case in HK will need to be verified by epidemiologists. They could of course help spread coronavirus if an infected person touched or sneezed near the dog and it was then touched (patted) by another person who then ingested or inhaled the virus. (This is what we as scientists refer to as “environmental contamination” that is the dog not actually “infected” but has the virus present on some of its body due to environmental exposure).
I would not worry too much about how it’s transmitted, for as I have already said a huge % of population will be exposed to it. That is the reality. What you need to focus on are the steps I mentioned to ensure you survive once infected.
What does concern me about the headline of a dog “spreading the virus” is that there may be a panic reaction. Already in China there are hundreds of dogs (and cats) who have been “disposed of” by literally being thrown out of apartment windows. (I have sources who have verified this although it’s not widely reported).
