25 police dogs test negative for Covid-19 after contact with infectious para-vet in K9 unit

The dogs were tested because the para-vet had interacted with them in the past 14 days before his onset of symptoms. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - Twenty-five police dogs that had been in contact with an infectious para-veterinarian have been tested for and been given the all-clear of Covid-19, said the police on Friday (Jan 15).

Three police officers who were in close contact with the officer have also been quarantined.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, the police said they tested the working dogs because the para-vet had interacted with them in the past 14 days before his onset of symptoms.

A polymerase chain reaction test recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health was used.

The para-vet, a 32-year-old Singaporean, was the lone locally transmitted coronavirus case reported on Thursday (Jan 14). He is currently warded at the National Centre of Infectious Diseases (NCID).

His main duties involve tele-consultations with dog handlers, but he also cares for the medical and grooming needs of the dogs in the K9 unit. He was not deployed for duties outside the unit's premises.

The para-vet had reported for work at the K9 unit on Monday morning (Jan 11) without any symptoms. After returning home from work, he felt feverish and sought treatment at a general practitioner clinic the same day.

The man remained at home on medical leave until he learnt that he had tested positive on Wednesday, and he was then taken in an ambulance to the NCID.

The Ministry of Health said on Thursday that his case is currently unlinked and all his close contacts, including family members and co-workers, have been isolated and placed under quarantine.

The K9 unit remains operational.

The police said they have conducted a thorough cleaning of the areas the para-vet could have come into contact with and put in place workforce segregation measures for any police officers who had interacted with the para-vet.

They added that while there is no evidence to prove that companion animals play a role in the spread of Covid-19 to humans, there have been isolated reports of animals testing positive after being in close contact with infected patients.

On Monday, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park said eight of its gorillas that live together have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The animals were likely infected by a member of the park's wildlife care team who also tested positive for the virus. He had been asymptomatic and wore a mask at all times around the gorillas.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.