Expert sows uncertainty over animals contracting COVID-19

• Reports stated a dog had contracted the virus, but PHIU refuted the claim

By Indika Sri Aravinda 

An expert has warned that animals contracting COVID-19 cannot be ruled out completely.  Senior lecturer in veterinary clinical studies at Peradeniya University, Dr. Ashoka Dangolla told Daily Mirror cats and dogs had contracted coronavirus in the past, but no animal had contracted COVID-19 which had now become a pandemic.  

However, he warned that chances of animals contracting the virus could not be ruled out. Last week, several reports were circulated stating a dog in Ja-Ela had contracted the virus – the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) later refuted the claims. 

PHI officer at the Ja-Ela Urban Council, K.A. Anura Abeyratne said there were reports of a cat from the area contracting the virus and transmitting it to two dogs. However, following treatment by a veterinarian, it was confirmed that the dogs had not contracted  COVID-19.