A total of eight big cats at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
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Four tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York City tested positive for the corona virus. according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Further coronavirus cases are confirmed after the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in a wild animal documented in Nadia, a Malayan tiger at the zoo, on April 5.
Confirmation that the Big cats had tested positive for the disease came after National Geographic researched her health on Wednesday, the magazine reported. The Wildlife Conservation Society, the organization that runs the zoo, had previously said that on April 5, another six cats with symptoms of the disease and these suspected cases were confirmed by stool samples. Another tiger that showed no symptoms was also tested positive, the WCS said.
The cats were likely infected by an asymptomatic person who worked at the zoo, the WCS said, adding that all eight cats “continue to do well” and “behave normally, eat well, and their cough is greatly reduced”.
No other big cats at the Bronx Zoo have shown signs of disease.
The ability of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to infect species other than humans has been documented in a few cases around the world. On Wednesday, The disease control and prevention centers confirmed that two cats in New York City were positive for the virusInfection in pets was first identified in the United States. There is no cause for concern about the spread of disease from pets, as pets appear to be infected with COVID-19 after close contact with a person.
Researchers continue to investigate how the coronavirus could affect animals.
“Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets are involved in the spread of the virus in the United States.” the CDC notes. “Therefore, there is no justification for taking action against pets that could affect their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand whether and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.”
If you are concerned about the health of your pet or pet, Check out CNET’s detailed explanation of how COVID-19 can affect cats and dogs or visit the CDC website for Tips for protecting yourself and your pet.