Category: Georgia
USA: 13 western lowland gorillas test positive for COVID-19 in Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is treating 13 western lowland gorillas who have tested positive for COVID-19. The gorillas were tested after they demonstrated mild coughing, runny noses and loss of appetite. Atlanta’s animal handlers took faecal samples and nasal and oral swabs from the gorillas and sent the samples to the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Georgia, which returned a presumptive positive result. Atlanta is waiting for confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, which also received samples.
Atlanta Journal Consititution report
The zoo says it is treating the gorillas at risk of developing complications from SARS-CoV-2 with monoclonal antibodies. The zoo is also testing all 20 of its gorillas, who live in four troops.
Zoo officials say they believe an asymptomatic employee who cares for the gorillas passed on the virus. The employee had been fully vaccinated and was wearing protective equipment such as a mask and gloves.
** UPDATE 15th September 2021 **
The number of gorillas infected has risen to 18 out of the twenty gorillas at the park
Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay
USA: At least 125,000 vaccine breakthrough infections, 1,400 dead
At least 125,000 fully vaccinated Americans have tested positive for Covid and 1,400 of those have died, according to data collected by NBC News. The total number of breakthrough cases is likely higher than 125,683, since nine states, including Pennsylvania and Missouri, did not provide any information, while 11, like Florida, did not provide death and hospitalization totals. Four states gave death and hospitalization numbers, but not the full tally of cases.
WAPO: 35,000 symptomatic Covid-19 infections per week among 162 million vaccinated Americans
USA: Asian Small-Clawed Otters test positive for #coronavirus In Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium announced on April 18th 2021 that several of its Asian small-clawed otters had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. The animals’ caretakers were tipped off when the otters showed symptoms like sneezing, lethargy and coughing. The aquarium is not certain as to how the otters caught the virus, but the statement suggests that a staff member with an asymptomatic infection transmitted it to the otters.
“Our Asian small-clawed otters are under very close monitoring by veterinarians and animal care team members. They have displayed only mild symptoms and we expect them all to make a full recovery,” says Tonya Clauss, the aquarium’s vice president of animal and environmental health, in the statement. “We are providing supportive care as needed so they can eat, rest and recover.”
Georgiaaquarium.org press release
CDC: possible reverse zoonosis in Michigan mink farm #coronavirus outbreak
USA: Otters test positive for #coronavirus at Georgia Aquarium
Our Asian small-clawed otters have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They showed mild symptoms: sneezing, runny noses, lethargy, & coughing. We’re happy to report they’re doing well & expected to recover. They’re off exhibit & being cared for. pic.twitter.com/Ig34EoZSvK
— Georgia Aquarium (@GeorgiaAquarium) April 18, 2021