Authorities say its latest tests have confirmed that a Pomeranian dog, whose earlier results had given a weak positive for the coronavirus, was indeed once infected before its death last week.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department says serological tests were conducted on the dog's blood and the results were positive. The department said this indicates that the dog had developed an immune response to the infection as antibodies were found.

The department said dogs and cats are not infected easily with the coronavirus with only two dogs testing positive as of now. It said there was no evidence that they play a role in the spread of the virus.

But the department also said it would be cautious and quarantine animals from households with confirmed cases.