The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today said that a pet cat has tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the third animal to test positive for the virus in Hong Kong.

The current case involves a domestic short-haired cat that lived in a residence in Aberdeen.

When the owner was confirmed with COVID-19, the cat was sent for quarantine at the animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on March 30.

Its oral cavity, nasal and rectal samples tested positive for the virus. The cat has not shown any signs of disease.

The department will continue to monitor the cat closely and conduct repeated testing.

It advised that mammalian pets, including dogs and cats from households with people confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, should be put under quarantine at its facilities.

The department emphasised that there is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of the virus.

Pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.