A 4 year old Malayan Tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York named Nadia has tested positive for Coronavirus.
It is believed the Tiger was infected by a caretaker who had asymptomatically contracted the virus and come in contact with the animals at the Zoo. Nadia, along with numerous other Tigers and Lions were tested for the virus after they began to show symptoms of respiratory illness.
“Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers,” 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.”
The Covid-19 testing that was performed on Nadia was performed in a veterinary school laboratory and is not the same test used for people, Dr. Paul Calle, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, posted on Facebook.
Since new things are being learned about the virus on a daily basis, it is advised to limit contact with animals including your pets if you are showing symptoms of the deadly virus.