From Dogs and Cats to Tigers... COVID-19 Confirmed at New York Bronx Zoo

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York, USA, tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), CNN and other outlets reported on the 5th (local time). The zoo stated that this is the first confirmed case of a tiger testing positive for COVID-19 worldwide.

According to reports, Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the zoo, showed symptoms such as coughing on the 27th of last month and was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on the same day. The zoo and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explained that after collecting samples from Nadia, five other animals including other tigers and lions also showed respiratory illness symptoms.

This is the first case of an animal infected with COVID-19 in the United States. The zoo stated that these animals appear to have been infected by an asymptomatic staff member carrying the virus. The Bronx Zoo has been closed since the 16th of last month.

The zoo said, "We conducted examinations on the tigers with great caution. We hope this will help in understanding the nature of COVID-19," adding, "Since different species may respond differently to COVID-19 infection, we are closely monitoring them, and all animals showing symptoms are expected to recover."

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, a pet dog was infected with COVID-19 from a human last month, and in Belgium, a pet cat was reported to have contracted the virus from its owner.