Pet owners must take precautions to avoid coronavirus risk: French experts

The SARS outbreak of 2002-2003, caused by a coronavirus genetically close to Covid-19, was able to infect several animal species including racoons, cats and hamsters

A French medical body urged pet owners on Wednesday to take precautions like washing hands after stroking dogs or cats, saying the risk of catching Covid-19 from animals "cannot be ruled out".

Even though there is no evidence yet that domestic animals can transmit the virus to humans or get sick from it, there could be a potential risk, said the French Academy of Medicine, which advises the government on epidemics and has set up a dedicated Covid-19 monitoring group.

The SARS outbreak of 2002-2003, caused by a coronavirus genetically close to Covid-19, was able to infect several animal species