A small number of pets have been reported to be infected with COVID-19 in several countries, including the U.S., Britain and Japan. (Photo: AFP-Yonhap News)
The first South Korean case of an animal testing positive for COVID-19 has been reported in South Gyeongsang Province involving a kitten.
Government officials confirmed on Sunday that the infected animal is a kitten that was being raised at a religious facility in the southeastern city of Jinju.
More than 100 people were confirmed to have gotten the virus after visiting the facility earlier this month.
Officials said during the tracking process, it was found that a mother and daughter staying at the facility were raising three cats, including the infected kitten.
Health authorities suspect the mother and daughter, who both tested positive for COVID-19, infected the cat.
Cases of human-to-animal transmission of the virus have been reported in various countries, but none the other way around.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged health authorities to look into the possibility of transmissions between humans and animals and to transparently share the findings for people who live with pets or are often exposed to them.
He also asked the farm ministry to consult with health authorities to prepare guidelines for pet owners.
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