Family’s shock as pet pug tests positive for COVID-19
A family enrolled in a study at Duke University were shocked to learn that their pet pug Winston tested positive for the virus that causes coronavirus.
Dr Chris Woods, the lead investigator of the Molecular and Epidemiological Study of Suspected Infection (MESSI) confirmed in a statement to CBS News that Winston was infected.
"To our knowledge, this is the first instance in which the virus has been detected in a dog. Little additional information is known at this time as we work to learn more about the exposure."
WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina first reported the development in the U.S and said that the pug is part of a family in Chapel Hill.
The father, mother and son were enrolled in the study and tested positive for the virus, but another family dog and a cat didn’t test positive.
The mother said that Winston was having mild symptoms.
Son Ben McLean explained to CBS News that more pets could have it, but there’s not much testing available.
"There may be more animals that have coronavirus, there just isn't any testing. Obviously those tests should be going to people rather than pets, but because we were part of a research study, we found out about Winston."
"However," he added, "people should not worry about their pets getting sick and dying from this disease, there remains little evidence that it is very harmful to them."
Hero image credits: CBS / 10daily