Cats test positive for Covid-19, confirms Durban SPCA

DON’T panic! That’s the message from the Durban & Coast SPCA after a handful of wild and domesticated cats tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

Tanya Fleischer, marketing manager for the SPCA said the cats most likely contracted the virus through their carers.

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“There is currently no record of any animal to human or animal to animal transmissions recorded,” she said in a media statement released this week.

“If someone in your household is ill or shows any signs of having contracted the Covid-19 virus, we recommend that person refrains from caring for any pets in the house and practices social distancing from them as well. If that is not possible, we recommend wearing a cloth face mask around your pets and washing your hands thoroughly with soap before and after interactions with your pets. Do not hug or kiss your pet,” she said.

Fleischer said there was no reason for people to panic.

“Your your pets are a part of your family and as such treat them with love and kindness at all times. This virus is new, this virus is unknown but together we can get through this. All animals need our love and support now more than ever,” she said, adding that pet owners should keep their pets away from crowded areas and not allow them to interact with other animals even after lockdown. .

For animal related emergencies, call the SPCA on 083 212 6103 (inspectorate) or 083 661 0997 (veterinary emergencies).

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

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