Tiger tests positive for coronavirus, first animal case in US
- 06 Apr 2020
Gulf Today Report
A four-year-old female tiger named Nadia at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for coronavirus, likely the first case involving an animal in the US.
Nadia and six other big cats were symptomatic with a dry cough and were believed to have been infected by an asymptomatic member of the zoo staff.
Seven animals at Bronx Zoo show symptoms of virus, federal agency confirms.
Nadia and her sister Azul, along with two other tigers and three lions are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.
"We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus," the zoo said in a statement.
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The organisation says the test was confirmed by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
Other than experiencing a decrease in appetite, the animals are "bright, alert and interactive with their keepers," the organisation said in a statement.
USDA officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "are monitoring the situation and working to support the state and local health departments and state animal health officials," the agency said in a statement.
The agency has recommended that anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms should "restrict contact with animals, out of an abundance of caution, including pets, during their illness, just as they would with other people."
Though there have not been any reports of pets becoming sick with the virus in the US, the agency is recommending people "limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus."
The New York City zoo is closed during the pandemic but its essential staff is caring for the 6,000 animals inside.
"There is no evidence that animals play a role in the transmission of coronavirus to people and no evidence shows that any person has been infected with Covid-19 in the US by animals, including by pet dogs or cats," according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.