Researchers monitoring the genetic makeup of coronavirus say very similar virus found in bats and pangolins, is not a perfect match.
Renowned veterinary specialist and epidemiologist, Dr Maarten Hoek says efforts to identify potential animal sources of COVID-19 are yet to yield positive results.
Netherlands-based Maarten Hoek who is researching the coronavirus pandemic says there is no scientific evidence infected pets can transmit the disease to humans.
He says pet owners should not rush into dispensing with such animals.
Dr. Hoek was answering questions at a Webinar Conference organized online for science journalists across the world.
JoyNews Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen joined the session and filed this report.
