TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Agriculture Ministry confirmed that until now there has been no evidence proving that pets could transmit the coronavirus to humans. This statement was made in response to the news in light of a cat that tested positive for the disease or Covid-19 in Belgium.

According to the ministry’s Director-General of Husbandry and Animal Health I Ketut Diarmita, previously two dogs in Hong Kong were reportedly positive for the virus. The Hong Kong animal health authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that the dogs got infected from the owner, similar to the cat.

"WHO and OIE confirm that transmission of Covid-19 occurs from human to human, and there is no evidence yet that pets can pass on the disease to other animals or humans," Ketut said in a written statement on Tuesday, March 31.

Ketut reiterated that the two cases were rare ones, and the possibility of the novel coronavirus transmission from humans to pets was still being examined.

"The cause of Covid-19 is a new virus. Researchers from a variety of disciplines are still studying this virus," Ketut added.

He suggested dog and cat owners keep their pets in care and not take actions that violate animal welfare. He also advised the public to practice a clean and healthy lifedata-style while interacting with animals.

CAESAR AKBAR