At the start of the corona pandemic, the British government apparently considered killing all domestic cats. As Conservative politician James Bethell explained on Wednesday, it was uncertain at the time whether pets could also transmit Corona and therefore almost took this step.
“Actually, for a while there was the idea that we should ask the public to eradicate all cats in the UK. Can you imagine what would have happened if we had done that?” Bethell told Channel 4 News.
There had been indications for some time that should have been investigated, the then deputy health minister said, according to the PA news agency. According to the Guardian, cat owners were warned in July 2020 not to kiss their pets. It had previously been revealed that a Siamese cat was the first – known – animal in the UK to be infected with the disease. Margaret Hosie, a professor of comparative virology at the University of Glasgow, advised cat owners to “pay close attention to hygiene,” the Guardian reported.
Cult cat Larry enraged
In England, one cat in particular enjoys cult status: Larry the cat has resided in Downing Street, the seat of government, for over twelve years as the “best mouser in the UK”. His satirical account on Twitter, which often derisively comments on political events in the name of the cat, prompted a response on Wednesday evening: “It’s hard not to take that personally,” read Bethell’s statement. that the killing of the cats had been considered.
transfer possible
According to a study published in June 2022, the coronavirus can likely be transmitted from cats to humans. Scientists described a case in Thailand where a veterinarian contracted the virus in August 2021. She had treated and sneezed at a cat who tested positive in the southern Thai city of Songkhla. However, scientists emphasize that the virus is much more likely to be transmitted from human to cat than the other way around. In Denmark, millions of minks have died during the pandemic due to concerns about transmission of the disease.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
