Primates, with their similar anatomical and physiological features similar to humans, are vulnerable to the same diseases, and are therefore considered to be at risk to Covid-19.
Rwanda has put protocols in place to protect its gorilla population. Coronavirus amongst gorillas is not unheard of; there is a case in which gorillas in San Diego Safari Park contracted the virus.
This is just one of the many cases. First time exposure to Coronavirus has the potential to devastate the gorilla population. This is according to the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP). The Rwanda Development Board and the Volcanoes National Park’s conservation partners have taken precautions for the safety of their mountain gorillas.
The Chief Warden of Volcanoes National Park, Prosper Uwingeli, states that the park has had no confirmed cases of Covid-19, commenting that ‘Gorillas are considered highly vulnerable to covid-19, due to their susceptibility to human respiratory pathogens. SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is spread via contact with respiratory droplets emitted by an infected person through coughing and sneezing.’
Rwanda’s New Times investigated the measures taken to protect these endangered animals, which include five precautions listed below.
1. Limiting interactions between the conservationists’ staff and communities
One of the major precautions in place is ensuring that rangers do not return home daily from work. Instead, there are accommodated at facilities in the park where they work for a month at a time, before being relieved by another colleague after one month.
By doing this, the likelihood of rangers contracting Covid-19 from members of their community is reduced.
2. Tighter rules for gorilla trekkers
Tourists who view gorillas have to keep a minimum of 10 metres distance. They are also instructed to not leave anything in the park, and are to avoid unnecessarily touching objects in the park to avoid contagion.
A negative Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours is also required, with the number of visitors required to visit the gorillas reduced from 8 to 6.
3. Mandatory wearing of surgical masks for staff
Face masks are mandatory for the staff when conducting their work of routine control and identification of gorillas, with strict hygiene and sanitation procedures.
4. Training the staff, communities on protective measures
Conservationists have also embarked on strengthening awareness of Covid-19 amongst key communities around the park.
5. Establishing a contingency plan to deal with emergencies, for example in the case of Covid-19 infection
Uwingeli told the New Times that a contingency plan has been put in place to ensure a holistic approach to preparedness, prevention, detection, and response to Covid-19 in the park.
Picture: Flickr Commons
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