Four lions housed at Barcelona Zoo tested positive for COVID-19, the second known case in which big cats have contracted the coronavirus.
The four lions named Zala, Nima and Run Run, and Kiumbe showed slight COVID-19 symptoms, prompting the zookeepers to test the big cats for coronavirus.
Keepers used the PCR tests on the lions, similar to tests given to humans as the big felines are used to contact with the staff of the zoo.
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Treating COVID-19 in lions at Barcelona Zoo
The authorities are still investigating how the lions got infected with COVID-19 but experts think that these lions may have been in contact with an asymptomatic member of staff.
After the outbreak was first detected last month, two staff at Barcelona Zoo were tested positive for coronavirus.
In a statement, Barcelona Zoo said that the Veterinary Service of Barcelona is in touch with their colleagues at Bronx Zoo in New York where four tigers and three lions had COVID-19 in April this year. Bronx Zoo is the only other zoo where Big Cats are recorded to have gotten the coronavirus. The four tigers and the three lions recovered from COVID-19.
The lions had mild clinical symptoms, like that of the mild flu. Veterinarians prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment, and close monitoring, and the animals seem to be responding well.
The four lions had shown upper respiratory symptoms, according to the Brazil Zoo. The coughing and sneezing symptoms have also disappeared.
Zala, Nima, and Run Run were all 16-year-old females. while Kiumbe is a four-year-old male. The four lions had no contact with other animals at the zoo, which is open to visitors.
Animals Affected by COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic
In a CNN report in October, veterinarians and researchers all over the US are looking for signs of coronavirus in animals, According to federal records, at least 2,000 animals have been tested for coronavirus since the onset of the pandemic. Most animals tested were cats and dogs who were exposed to their sick owners.
In Utah and Wisconsin, more than 14,000 minks died in early October after contracting COVID-19 from humans.
Meanwhile, Bronx Zoo had cases of four tigers and three African lions that were tested positive for COVID-19.
In June, a 7-year-old German shepherd was the first pet dog to test positive for COVID-19 after falling ill and having difficulty breathing. Officials said that the dog contracted the virus from its owner. The dog later died.
Also in June, a 7-year-old Siamese cat was tested positive for COVID-19. The cat's owner was confirmed to have COVID-19 twice: in March and in September. The second time was much worse, she said and the cat was her constant companion.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the USDA do not recommend routine testing of pets or other animals, but owners can have their pets tested, according to Dr. Douglas Kratt, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Despite these, vets say that infections are still rare in animals. The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has tested nearly 80 animals but only five were tested positive for COVID-19, and these animals are minks from infected farms. The infected animals also barely show signs of illness, with most symptoms ranging from sniffles and lethargy.
Thus, the four lions inflicted with COVID-19 in Barcelona Zoo may also get better soon.
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