Positive COVID-19 tests have confirmed that several more lions and tigers at the Bronx Zoo in N.
Y.C. have contracted the novel coronavirus.
Earlier in April, reports have claimed that a 4-year-old Malayan tiger named Nadia was tested positive for COVID-19 whereas several other big cats started suffering from the symptoms of the disease.
Now, it has been confirmed that seven more big cats, including three lions and four tigers, have tested positive for COVID-19.
As of this writing, a total of eight big cats at the New York City zoo are confirmed to have developed COVID-19.
According to the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Paul Calle, Nadia’s case represented “the first time (…) that a [wild] animal has gotten sick from COVID-19 from a person.”
Following the recent diagnosis, the staff confirmed that the infected lions and tigers are “behaving normally, eating well, and their coughing is greatly reduced.”
They also confirmed that they believe one of their caretakers most likely passed on the virus to the big cats unknowingly.
“We tested the tigers and lions 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 authorities at the Bronx Zoo insisted.
“The testing of these cats was done in veterinary laboratories and resources used did not take from those being used for human testing.”
According to the officials, the rest of their big cats, including leopards, pumas, and cheetahs, haven’t been showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
They have also confirmed that “preventive measures” have been set up in order to prevent the spread of the virus to other cats.
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Replaced!