Beware Of Pets Exposed To COVID-19, These Are The Characteristics

COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Widu Adisasmito (Photo: BNPB dock)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, said that animals could be infected with COVID-19. However, this transmission can occur due to close contact with humans who were previously tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, natural transmission of COVID-19 without laboratory engineering is considered difficult.

"Based on the report from the World Animal Health Organization (OIE), most cases of COVID-19 in animals were caused by close contact with infected humans," Wiku told reporters on Thursday, August 4.

Animals, continued Wiku, can be exposed to COVID-19 from humans because they have receptors in their bodies that match the virus. The symptoms experienced by animals are usually coughing, difficulty breathing, sneezing, and runny nose.

In addition, infected animals can also have symptoms in the digestive tract such as vomiting and diarrhea.

"It is important to know that this symptom is a very common symptom and can be caused by various diseases other than COVID-19," he said. However, Wiku reminded people who have pets not to panic. He appealed to residents not to travel if not urgently during the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in order to protect their beloved pets.

In addition, if the owner feels that his pet has been in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19 and is followed by a decline in health conditions, please immediately take him to the veterinarian.

"It should also be remembered that people who deliver animals outside the house must be negative for COVID," he concluded.