According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a 4-year-old tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York has tested positive for COVID-19. It reportedly contracted the disease from its caretaker, who was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Three lions in the same zoo have also developed a dry cough and are being considered as suspected cases of COVID-19.
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The first-ever confirmed COVID-19 case in an animal in the U.S.
In a statement, The Bronx Zoo said, "Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough, and all are expected to recover."
They tested the tiger out of caution and have said that they will release any information and other related findings on the animal as they come. All of these tests were confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory. It was confirmed that the animals were infected by a zoo caretaker who showed no signs or symptoms of the disease.
Six other big cats also displayed symptoms of COVID-19 infection
Three lions and three tigers were also reported to have the infection after showing symptoms. These cats were experiencing a decrease in appetite, although they have remained alert and active with their carers. They are expected to make a full recovery.
Four of these affected tigers have been living in the zoo's Tiger Mountain exhibit. One of these, a male Amur tiger, lives in the same area where the first infected tiger lives. However, in this case, the Amur has shown no signs of the virus. The other, a Malayan tiger plus two more Amur tigers, -- this time living at the zoo's Wild Asia exhibit -- have shown no symptoms, as well.
Other big cats at the Brox Zoo, namely, pumas, Amur leopards, clouded leopards, cheetahs and snow leopards have shown no clinical signs of the illness. Preventive measures are now being implemented for all staff and employees to prevent the further spread of the virus.
The zoo also gave thanks to those who extended help, saying that "[they] are grateful for the cooperation and support of the New York State Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where the initial COVID-19 testing of samples from the tiger was performed."
The Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) mission is to save wildlife and habitats all over the world through science, education, and conservation actions while giving inspiration to people to let them see the value of nature. The WCS, located in the Brox Zoo, utilizes the power of its Global Conservation Program in almost 60 nations around the world
They combine their expertise and abilities in the field, aquariums, and the zoo to try and achieve their conservation mission.
The Bronx Zoo opened its doors on November 8, 1899, and has been known all over the world for its leadership and dedication in the areas of animal conservation, science, education, veterinary care, and animal welfare.
