Even though there is no evidence so far that pets like dogs and cats pose any substantial threat in spreading Covid-19, the outbreak is causing fear and uncertainty among many pet owners in Bangladesh.
Some owners are being pressured by parents or neighbours to get rid of their pets.
Zahid Hussain, secretary general at Care for Paws, an animal welfare organization based in Dhaka, says he heard of 8-10 cases where family members asked pet owners to abandon their dogs or cats.
“I have even seen a person complaining about receiving a notice from their flat owners association not to keep any pets inside their homes,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Despite being a zoonotic virus – virus that spreads from non-humans to humans – experts say there is no evidence that dogs or cats can be infected with the novel coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the United States, stressed that at this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread Covid-19.
Last week, the authorities in Hong Kong warned people not to kiss their dogs after one tested positive for a low level of the novel coronavirus. Experts, however, said the dog was not infected, but was merely in contact with the virus in the same way that the virus could be found on a floor.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputed bodies have nevertheless advised to exercise common hygienic sense to be safe.
Animal welfare organizations in Bangladesh, like Care for Paws, also recommend limiting exposure.
“It's advisable to not let our companion dog or cat roam freely outside in the present situation of virus outbreak,” Zahid said.
Similarly, if a pet owner is diagnosed with Covid-19, they should avoid any contact with their pets, he said.
“At present, people shouldn’t panic about pets living inside houses or even stray dogs or cats living on the street,” he added.
WHO advises washing hands with soap and water after contact with pets. Humans are more susceptible to the infection than pets, its guideline says.