they would have caught it from a caregiver

For the first time, gorillas infected with the coronavirus. It happened at the San Diego Zoo, in the United States, where at least two animals tested positive for Covid-19Park authorities and Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed on Monday.

Wednesday of last week, two gorillas from the aforementioned zoo they started to cough. A preliminary test on Friday showed the presence of the virus, results which were confirmed today by a veterinary laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Currently, three animals are showing symptoms and they are suspected of being infected by a caregiver whose test came back positive more than a week ago, according to a press release from the zoo. But due to coexistence in the same space, it is assumed that the entire gorilla group has been exposed to Covid-19.

“Aside from a bit of congestion and cough, gorillas They are fine“Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in statements reproduced by CNN.

Gorilla group “Stay together quarantined, and eats and drinks. We hope for a full recovery, ”he added.

This is the first known case of coronavirus in great apes (including chimpanzees and orangutans), although previous research has shown some non-human primates to be susceptible to the virus.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is closed to the public since early December, but employees continue to work for 6500 animals that they have in their facilities.

Now in place, they plan to be more stringent with the protocols. Staff entering the gorilla enclosure will wear disposable coveralls over their work clothes, and guards who were previously required to wear masks will add other eye protection.

LP