Some time ago, a cat in Belgium reported positive infected with corona virus. Previously, two dogs in Hong Kong were also reported to have been infected with the virus that caused Covid-19.
The animals were suspected to have been infected with a corona virus from humans who were positive patients with Covid-19. Even so, expert virus or virologist Professor Indro Cahyo asserted, Coona-19 corona virus is not likely to spread from humans to animals.
According to Indro, although based on the results of the tests the animals showed positive that they were infected with the corona virus, the virus in their body would not be Covid-19.
Indro explained that the corona virus has very many types and is species specific. For example, the corona virus to dogs can only transmit to each other between dogs, as can cats and other animals.
“So, the Covid-19 is only for humans, cannot be transmitted to other animals. Only specifically for humans, and this is also not for bats, but from the beginning it was only for humans,” said Indro, as reported by Suara.com , Monday (3/30/2020).
Indro explained, the virus can only attack the body if it meets a suitable receptor. Receptors are the ends of the cells that the body has.
While Covid-19 can only attach to a receptor called ACE 2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which is owned by humans. Any animal does not have an ACE 2 receptor.
“So, the Covid-19 corona virus must fit the ACE 2 receptor in humans. Animals don’t have dogs, cats don’t have ACE 2,” he said.
But what happens to these pets, Indro continued, test results showed positive infected with the corona virus because the virus entered through the respiratory cavity of the animal’s nose or mouth.
Therefore, if a swab test is done with a nasal and throat cavity review, it is natural that the results will be positive for corona virus infection.
However, because animals do not have ACE 2 receptors, the virus will not become Covid-19. The virus also will not attack the lungs, but will only float inside the animal’s body.
“Viruses can enter the body but do not cause pain because the virus does not stick to the receptors. In the body (the virus) just hovers, then eaten with antibodies. In fact, it disappears, after that it is released as urine, nothing happens, “he said.
This applies to all animals, Indro said.
“It’s not a problem for all animals. ACE 2 only has humans. It has no business with animals. That is where animals want to be taken, it also doesn’t affect, because it’s not transmitted to humans,” he said.