Scientists rule out possible link between dogs and rise in children’s hepatitis

Scientists investigating sudden onset hepatitis cases in children have ruled out a link with dogs, according to reports.

Calum Semple, Professor of Child Health and Outbreak Medicine at the University of Liverpool, reportedly told a briefing that research had found no role for either owning dogs or recent contact with dogs in cases of acute hepatitis.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) previously said that around 70% of a sample of affected children had had recent contact with dogs or owned dogs.

However, Semple reportedly told the briefing the UKHSA was now due to announce “there’s nothing to indicate the role of dogs in children with acute hepatitis”.

He added that the idea has “now been removed from the line of investigation by the public health agencies in England and in Scotland”.