FOUR lions at Barcelona Zoo have examined optimistic for Covid — in solely the second identified case of massive cats catching the virus.
Kiumbe, a younger male, and three lionesses named Zala, Nima and Run Run had been examined after keepers seen they’d gentle flu signs.
4 lions at Barcelona zoo examined optimistic for coronavirusCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
The lions had coughs and sneezes however weren’t severely unwellCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Keepers carried out PCR swabs on the lions in the identical manner as people are examined because the animals are accustomed to contact with employees, the zoo stated.
Authorities are investigating how the lions turned contaminated.
Two employees on the zoo additionally examined optimistic for coronavirus after the outbreak was first detected final month.
The one beforehand identified infections in huge cats had been on the Bronx Zoo in New York, the place four tigers and three lions tested positive in April.
Barcelona Zoo stated: “The Zoo has contacted and collaborated with worldwide consultants such because the Veterinary Service of the Bronx Zoo, the one one which has documented instances of Sars-CoV-2 an infection in felines.
“The lions got veterinary care for his or her gentle scientific situation —much like a really gentle flu situation — via anti-inflammatory therapy and shut monitoring, and the animals responded properly.”
Barcelona Zoo stated there was no danger to guestsCredit score: Copyright: That is Viral Information 2020
The four-year-old male and the females, who’re all 16 years previous, have had no contact with different animals.
Vets added: “At no time was tough respiratory or different respiratory indicators noticed within the lions and all of the signs disappeared after 15 days, apart from coughing or sneezing.”
The zoo stays open and executives harassed there isn’t a danger to guests as they can’t get shut sufficient to catch it from the lions.
The Bronx Zoo examined all its huge cats together with cheetahs and snow leopards after an outbreak in April.
A four-year-old Malayan tiger named Nadia began coughing and later tested positive.
Three extra tigers and three lions additionally caught the virus.
It was believed they had been all contaminated by one keeper, who had no signs.
Home cats have been known to catch coronavirus within the US and Asia.
And there are claims pet canines have fallen unwell, together with Boris Johnson’s pooch Dilyn.
There have additionally been outbreaks of a mutant pressure on mink farms, resulting in a cull of 15million animals throughout Europe.
