A four-year-old tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York has tested positive for COVID-19. This tiger positive to corona is the first case in the world.
“Nadia, a 4-year-old tiger in the Bronx zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19,”. Wildlife Conservation Society reported this in their statement. Non of the other big cats in the ZOO have shown any corona virus symptoms.
Three other tigers and three lions are suspected of having corona-virus. Similarly, first sign was that they have a dry cough, CNET reports. Bronx ZOO is closed for all visitors since 16th March 2020.
Photo: Tiger Positive to Corona Virus
However, this is still the first case in the world, confirmed with COVID-19. Hopefully also the last case. In Belgium, it was reported at the end of March that one cat had received a corona virus from its owner, but Belgian authorities had rejected the possibility of transmitting the virus from an animal to a human. Similar cases were reported in Hong Kong, where two dogs were positive for the corona virus.
Garden worker who has not shown any symptoms of the disease meanwhile has infected the tiger. The ZOO has implemented preventive measured to avoid another Tiger positive to corona or some other big cats family.
Luckily, there have not been reported pets getting sick with the corona virus in the US. The USDA and CDC say they will keep monitoring current situation and don’t recommend testing other animals at the moment.
If you have a cat at home, probably not a big cat like those in the zoo, take a look at this useful post about Cat Sitting Services.
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