Tiger at Bronx Zoo Tests Positive for Coronavirus

A 4-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for COVID-19, the zoo announced Sunday. It is the first instance of a tiger testing positive for the virus, the USDA said.

Nadia, the COVID-19 positive tiger, was exposed by an asymptomatic worker, the zoo said. The zoo says "appropriate preventative measures" have been implemented to care for the cats and minimize further exposure.

MORE >>> https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/cor...x-zoo-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/2360876/

Bozza said:

A 4-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for COVID-19, the zoo announced Sunday. It is the first instance of a tiger testing positive for the virus, the USDA said.

Nadia, the COVID-19 positive tiger, was exposed by an asymptomatic worker, the zoo said. The zoo says "appropriate preventative measures" have been implemented to care for the cats and minimize further exposure.

MORE >>> https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/cor...x-zoo-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/2360876/

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So, if big cats can get does that mean little cats can as well? Might need to get the Government to instruct all cat flaps to be locked (with moggy on the inside).

USDA Statement on the Confirmation of COVID-19 in a Tiger in New York

(Washington, D.C. April 5, 2020) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) in one tiger at a zoo in New York. This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with COVID-19. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness.

Public health officials believe these large cats became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. The zoo has been closed to the public since mid-March, and the first tiger began showing signs of sickness on March 27. All of these large cats are expected to recover. There is no evidence that other animals in other areas of the zoo are showing symptoms.

USDA and CDC are monitoring the situation and working to support the state and local health departments and state animal health officials. State animal and public health officials will take the lead in making determinations about whether animals, either at this zoo or in other areas, should be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. USDA will notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of this finding.

Anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, out of an abundance of caution including pets, during their illness, just as they would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. If a sick person must care for a pet or be around animals, they should wash their hands before and after the interaction.


Questions and Answers:


Can people give this virus to animals and, if so, what animals are at risk?
This is the first case of its kind. We are still learning about this new coronavirus and how it spreads. This case suggests that a zoo employee spread the virus to the tiger. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19. State animal and public health officials will continue to work closely with USDA and CDC to monitor this situation and will conduct additional testing if it is warranted.


If multiple animals were showing symptoms, why was only one tested?
Only one tiger was tested as the collection of diagnostic samples in big cats requires general anesthesia. Since all tigers and lions were exhibiting similar respiratory symptoms, the attending veterinarian felt it was in the best interest of the animals to limit the potential risks of general anesthesia to one tiger for diagnostics.


If animals can catch the virus, can they give it back to people?
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread COVID-19 infection to people.


Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick from coronavirus (COVID-19)?
You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets. More information is available on how to keep people and animals safe at

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/sa-2020/ny-zoo-covid-19

So, if the virus can move into the animal population, and then move between animals, we actually cannot control it? Eek!

drew said:

So, if big cats can get does that mean little cats can as well? Might need to get the Government to instruct all cat flaps to be locked (with moggy on the inside).

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Back in January I was reading reports of people getting rid of their cats in China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...ch-other-with-coronavirus-chinese-study-finds

wellquickwoody said:

So, if the virus can move into the animal population, and then move between animals, we actually cannot control it? Eek!

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That ship sailed a long time ago... either everyone (or the vast majority) is vaccinated or this virus will circulate year in and year out, hopefully turning a lot milder with time.

Well, that’s the last time I’m going within two metres of a tiger.

A spokesperson for the tiger said that the symptoms are mild and the tiger’s said to be doing G-R-R-R-EAT!

Ok, so who is going to tell the Tiger to self isolate? Any volunteers

*Orders cat repellent before there is a run on it and it is sold out*

So we now have to social distance ourselves from tigers ?

easy 10 said:

so we now have to social distance ourselves from tigers ?

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stand away from those frosties...…...