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Six African lions, two Amur tigers and a Sumatran tiger at the Smithsonian National Zoo are being treated for the coronavirus, the zoo said on Friday.
Six African lions, two Amur tigers and a Sumatran tiger at the Smithsonian National Zoo are being treated for coronavirus, the zoo said on Friday.
Animal keepers at the Smithsonian National Zoo observed decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing and lethargy in several lions and tigers over the past weekend. Zoo officials took stool samples from the cats and those samples tested presumably positive for COVID-19.
“Tigers are less affected than lions, showing fewer symptoms. The varying degrees of symptoms force us to watch all animals very carefully, ”zoo spokesperson Pamela Baker-Masson told OMCP. “We are as positive as possible.
Fecal samples require a second test at a national laboratory to confirm positive cases. A zoo spokeswoman said the results are expected early next week.
The zoo said it did not know how the cats became infected with the virus. No other animal in the zoo has shown signs of infection and members of the public who have frequented the zoo are not at risk.
“The health and safety of Smithsonian staff, animals and visitors is our number one priority,” the zoo said in a press release.
“The zoo’s existing COVID-19 protocols restrict behind-the-scenes access to all animal areas and require the use of personal protective equipment, hygiene, cleaning, employee self-testing and management of health. The zoo’s security and COVID response protocols are in place and strictly followed. “
The nine cats with symptoms are treated with anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea medication to treat their symptoms. They are also given antibiotics for secondary bacterial pneumonia.
The zoo said the first set of Zoetis coronavirus vaccines – specially designed for zoo animals – will be administered to selected zoo animals when it becomes available in the coming months.
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