Source: Sky News
A pet cat has become the first animal to test positive for coronavirus in the UK.
The only details known about the feline are that it lives in England and was tested at a laboratory in Weybridge, Surrey, last week, on 22 July.
Evidence suggests it contracted the virus from its owners, who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 – but both the animal and family have since made a “full recovery”, the government said.
It added there is “no evidence” the cat transmitted coronavirus to its owners – or that any other domestic pets are able to, either.
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss explained it was a “very rare event” and infected animals detected so far only show “mild clinical signs” and recover “within a few days”.
Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said the finding “should not be a cause for alarm”.