USA: Tiger Tests Positive for COVID-19
A female tiger living in New York City’s Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to a statement released by the zoo on Sunday, 5 April, a four-year-old Malayan tiger named Nadia contracted the disease late last month from a caretaker who was “asymptomatically infected with the virus”.
Additionally, Nadia’s sister, Azul – as well as two Amur tigers and three African lions – displayed symptoms of the disease, specifically dry coughs.
The statement reads: “Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers.”
The zoo, which is temporarily closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, added: “It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats … but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.”
In spite of this isolated incident – as well as the passing of the disease from wild animals to humans at a market in Wuhan, China – medical experts have stressed there is no evidence that animals can become sick or spread COVID-19.
