Coronavirus may have spread to dogs, but this did not stop animal lovers flocking to the first day of the world's biggest dog show, Crufts, on Thursday – although many people took precautions.
"It's the biggest show in the world!" enthused Inna Blayvas, who came to the event in Birmingham, central England, from Israel with six friends and their animals.
"Everything was booked a year ago, hotel, flight. It cost 1,000 pounds (1,290 U.S. dollars) per person," the 42-year-old told AFP.
Only one of their number cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the globe – an 18-year-old junior handler whose parents objected.
"It was her last chance to take part (in) the competition but her mother said no yesterday," Blayvas said.
It's nap time for one of the participants at Crufts dog show held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, March 5, 2020. /VCG
Her friend Galit Saroosi, the proud owner of Kiwi, a miniature Schnauzer with grey whiskers, said the group was taking precautions to protect their pets.
"We won't let the dogs be in contact with other dogs. We will keep them in their cages," she explained over the noise of excited yapping.
More than 26,000 dogs and 166,000 fans are expected over the four days of Crufts this year.
A pampered pooch at Crufts dog show held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, March 5, 2020. /VCG
The dogs compete in events covering everything from looks to obedience and agility – including flyball, a frantic race through obstacles for a tennis ball.
Events around the world have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed over 3,300 people. In Britain, this included the London Book Fair.
There were particular fears for Crufts after a pet dog in Hong Kong was found to be infected with the virus, and then quarantined.
But the Kennel Club organizers decided to go ahead with the event, following UK government advice to continue as normal.
Two competitors are dressed to the nines at Crufts dog show held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, March 5, 2020. /VCG
For more:
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The case for human-to-animal disease transmission
How to keep wild animals and pets safe while using disinfectant
(Cover image: Two German Spitz dogs at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre for the first day of the Crufts dog show in the UK. /VCG)
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