At least two western lowland gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for COVID-19.
‘On Wednesday, January 6, two of the gorillas began coughing. Given current circumstances, San Diego Zoo Global initiated the process of testing fecal samples from the gorillas for SARS-CoV-2 through the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CA HFS),’ the Zoo said in a statement.
Two western lowland gorillas have tested positive at the zoo.
‘On January 8, the preliminary tests detected the presence of the virus in the gorilla troop. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the positive results on Monday, January 11.’
Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park said: ‘Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well.’
It is suspected the gorillas acquired the infection from an asymptomatic staff member. Research studies verified that some non-human primates are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, but this is the first known instance of natural transmission to great apes and it is unknown if they will have any serious reaction.
Picture: Unsplash
