Over the past year, there have been reports that animals, particularly cats, dogs, and those in the zoos, are getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The latest case reported is those two lions in a Pittsburgh zoo.
Earlier this month, Russia has announced that it has created a vaccine against COVId-19 for animals. Science Times previously reported that Russia's Carnival-Cov vaccine is effective in vaccinating carnivorous animals for them to develop antibodies against the virus. But even so, it is not yet available in most countries.
The recent case of the two female lions proves that animals are vulnerable to infection. They got the virus from an asymptomatic staff at the zoo.
Two Lionesses Infected With COVID-19
CBS Pittsburgh reported that two female lions (lionesses) at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
The zookeepers said that the lions were both displaying COVID-like symptoms, such as coughing and diarrhea. When tested, they found that the two lions were positive for the infection.
Moreover, they said that the lionesses likely contracted the virus after getting exposed to an infected asymptomatic employee.
The female lions are now being closely monitored together with other lions and animals in the zoo throughout the pandemic.
"The Pittsburgh Zoo has been closely following CDC guidelines and has been in close contact with experts who have been monitoring and testing for this disease," officials said.
According to WJAC's report, officials are working closely with other zoological wildlife institutions that have had similar cases of animals getting infects with SARS-CoV-2. They added that these institutions are using their experience and information from previous cases to help treat the infected lionesses in the Pittsburgh zoo.
With the help of these institutions, both lionesses are expected to make a full recovery soon.
Low risk of Infection Between Zoo Animals and Guests
Due to reports of zoo animals getting infected and now that it happened to Pittsburgh zoo, the public is weary whether it could also be transmitted to them.
But Pittsburgh zoo CEO Dr. Barbara Baker said that "The risk of infection between zoo animals and guests is very low as we do not allow any of our visitors to come within close proximity to any of our cats."
She added that there is no exposure from the lions themselves because the animals are not close to the visitors. She pointed out that there is a large moat between the lions and the visitors so only the keepers can come into direct contact with the big cats.
That is also the reason why they believe that two female lions were infected after exposure to their asymptomatic employee.
Zoo officials said that they have also tested four of their lions out of an abundance of caution, WTAE reported. The zoo continues to prioritize the health and well-being of the animals as wells as their devoted caretakers by instituting the highest level of biosecurity and care.
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