The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has killed nearly 1,400 people after it was first detected in China last December. In China alone, more than 63,000 people have been infected but the disease has already spread to nearly 30 countries, including nine cases in the UK.

As the world scrambles to contain the epidemic, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has issued advice for all pet owners.

Dr Michael Lappin, chair of the WSAVA’s One Health Committee, has encouraged all cat owners to keep their pets indoors for the time being.

Similarly, anyone who has recently travelled to China and is under a self-imposed quarantine was told to keep their pets with them.

Although there is no evidence of pets spreading the coronavirus pathogen at the moment, WSAVA noted this is a “rapidly developing situation”.

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