A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York is the first of its kind to test positive for the coronavirus. Nadia, a four-year-old female Malayan tiger, was tested after she presented a dry cough and loss of appetite, according to a statement by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo.
She and five other big cats all showed signs of respiratory illness, and one test was conducted. The cats are all expected to recover fully.
‘We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus,’ the zoo said.
‘It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.’
It is believed that the animals were infected by a carer who carried the virus but was asymptomatic at the time.
The zoo, which is closed to the public, say that appropriate measures are now in place to protect the staff and animals from any further exposure.
Image: Unsplash
