The Los Angeles Times website published an article titled "Can Pets Get Coronavirus? "In the context of the spread of the new crown epidemic, people have been asked to stay at home, so more time with pets is being spent than ever before. But does physical closeness to pets affect human health -- or their health? Here's the latest advice from experts on keeping everyone in your home safe. The article is excerpted as follows:

Scientists say the chances of our pets being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are remote. SARS-CoV-2 causes novel coronavirus pneumonia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says there is no indication that dogs or cats can transmit the virus to humans or any other creatures, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not received any reports of pets becoming sick.

But what about those reports of dogs and cats testing positive?

The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department found SARS-CoV-2 in two pet dogs. Testing also found the virus in a cat owned by a confirmed patient. Fifteen dogs and eight cats in Hong Kong have also tested negative, according to the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

A sick cat in Belgium was found to be infected with the virus, although testing by the country's authorities has not determined whether the virus is the same type as the cat's owner.

Currently, veterinarians and zoonotic experts agree that there is too little information to draw any definitive conclusions from these isolated cases.

Experts also agree that they won't be able to say more for sure until well-tested scientific data comes out.

Can my pets get sick from me if I get sick?

No, but you can still take precautions.

Animal health experts agree that while there have been no cases of humans passing the virus to pets in the U.S., the best course of action for anyone infected with the coronavirus is to treat their pets like humans: avoid all unnecessary contact.

"If you're sick, go and practice social distancing," said Shelly Rankin, a microbiologist at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. "It's important that you don't interact with other people—dogs, cats, or people—when you're sick. touch."

If possible, healthy family members should feed and care for pets, said Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club. If no one is available, sick caregivers should wear masks and wash their hands before and after feeding and caring for pets.

How likely is it that I get this virus from my pet?

This is extremely unlikely.

There are no reports of pets passing the virus to humans. However, there is a silver lining if a chain of events occurs: a person with COVID-19 sneezes or coughs and their secretions touch a pet's fur. Then another person quickly touches the same piece of fur and touches the eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.

In other words, the odds are slim.

Should I make sure my pet stays at home and is it safe to go out?

Experts agreed to follow existing conventions. It's good for your pet -- and your own mental health.

"Fresh air is good for you and your dog," said Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club. "Pets rely on routines and are able to sense the emotions and feelings of their owners. We know that they will The host responds with emotions such as happiness, anger, sadness and even anxiety."

Psychologists recommend walking or playing games with pets. Grooming pets will also provide reassurance.

"It can also lower your anxiety levels by making you think about things other than the news," Klein said. "It could be a win-win for both of you. As always, pet owners should wash their hands before and after interacting with their pets." /Yin Xia)