Prof. Wiku: People Don't Panic When Pets Are Infected With COVID-19

COVID-19 Handling Task Force Spokesperson Professor Wiku Adisasmito (Photo: Andi Firdaus/Antara)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force Professor Wiku Adisasmito reminded the public not to panic if they found out that their pets were infected with COVID-19. The reason, according to him, is because there is no evidence that animals exposed to COVID-19 can transmit the disease to humans. "It is important to note that so far there is no evidence showing that animals infected with COVID-19 can transmit the disease. virus to humans," said Wiku. According to him, since the beginning of the pandemic, several countries have reported SARS-CoV-2 infections to animals, including wildlife to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE). Globally, he said, currently there are 500 cases in 10 species in 30 countries."Therefore avoid contact with pets when they are infected with COVID-19, reduce contact k animals with people who have not been vaccinated and check the animals to the veterinarian if they show symptoms," said Wiku.

Wiku's statement followed the exposure of two Sumatran tigers at the Ragunan Wildlife Park (TMR) South Jakarta, namely Hari and Tino who were diagnosed positive for COVID-19 on July 15, 2021. Before being tested positive for COVID-19, since July 9, 2021, the animal nurse in Ragunan noticed that Hari (12 years old) and Tino (9 years old) looked sick and had symptoms like COVID-19, namely flu, weakness and shortness of breath. The TMR team then took a swab and sent it to the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Primate Animal Study Center, Bogor Agricultural University. The results of the PCR test also showed Hari and Tino were positive for COVID-19, so both of them had to be isolated in a cage with an adequate supply of food and medicine during the healing process until both were declared medically healthy.