USA: Six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two Amur tigers infected with Covid in Washington Zoo

Africa, Animals, Coronavirus, India, Infection, Reservoir, Symptoms, Testing, Transmission, Washington D.C

Six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two Amur tigers at the National Zoo in Washington have tested positive for the coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, the Smithsonian Institution said Friday.

Animal caretakers observed appetites, coughing, sneezing and lethargy in six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two Amur tigers, and final results were expected in coming days to confirm the presumptive positive coronavirus test results, said the Smithsonian, which operates the zoo.

“All lions and tigers are being treated with anti-inflammatories and anti-nausea medication to address discomfort and decreased appetite,” the zoo said on its website, adding that they were also being treated with antibiotics for possible secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Smithsonian Magazine report

 

 

Image by Kevinsphotos from Pixabay

** This post was originally published on September 18, 2021 **