Bronx zoo tiger with COVID-19

A tiger at the Bronx (NY) zoo has been confirmed to be infected with Covid-19. “This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with Covid-19,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which noted that although only one tiger was tested, the virus appeared to have infected other animals. Several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness, according to a statement by the Agriculture department. Public health officials believe the large cats caught the virus from a zoo employee. The tiger appeared visibly sick March 27. In a statement, the agriculture department suggested that those infected with the virus should, “out of an abundance of caution,” avoid contact with their pets and other animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that it is “aware of a very small number of pets outside the United States reported to be infected. The CDC has said that it does not have evidence that pets can spread the coronavirus. (Source: NY Times 04/06/20)