Italian study finds people can transmit coronavirus to petsAugust 3, 2020 - 15:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A study by Italian scientists has found that people can transmit the coronavirus to cats and dogs, the Australian Associated Press reports. The study tested 540 dogs and 277 cats living in households in northern Italy, particularly in Lombardy, where someone was infected with the virus or in areas where there were many cases. The study, which has not been peer-reviewed yet, found coronavirus antibodies in 3.4% of dogs and 3.9% of cats, indicating they were infected with the virus. Swab tests for active virus infections were negative in all animals, as the virus shedding period ended after two weeks. The tests were conducted between March and May of this year. Thomas Mettenleiter, leader of the German Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), says the results show that the virus spreads between humans and animals. "This confirms what we already know," Mettenleiter said, adding that the large scale of the study was unprecedented as it was difficult to get samples. Most animals in the study came from households affected by the coronavirus, indicating that infection is generally transmitted from humans to animals, Mettenleiter said. He added this confirmed the FLI's assumption that cats and dogs don't play a significant role in the spread of Covid-19, and that healthy people need not limit their contact with their pets. People who are infected with the virus, however, should limit their contact with their pets, although there are no indications so far that animals can die of the coronavirus, according to Mettenleiter. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |