In NYC, a 4-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. It appears that this is the first known animal infection in the U.S.
On Sunday (Apr 5), the Wildlife Conservation Society announced, “Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover.”
Officials say that a zoo employee is believed to have infected the first animal, which began showing symptoms on March 27, 11 days after the institution closed to the public.
Additionally, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Paul Calle, added, “We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution [and aim to] contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus.”
Meanwhile, USDA official and veterinarian, Dr. Jane Rooney, warns pet owners, “It’s important to assure pet owners and animal owners that at this time there isn’t any evidence that they can spread the virus.”
