Tiger at Bronx Zoo Tests Positive for COVID-19 - Resources for Zoological Institutions
Date: 06/04/2020
Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo yesterday (5 April 2020) announced Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover.
This positive COVID-19 test for the tiger was confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory, based in Ames, Iowa.
To read the Bronx Zoo’s full statement click here.
WAZA has compiled a list of resources which may be useful to zoological institutions at this time, regarding COVID-19 and the transmission of the virus to zoo animals.
The European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) has added a new chapter on COVID-19 to its Transmissible Diseases Handbook, compiled by EAZWV’s Infectious Diseases Working Group (IDWG). The chapter, titled ‘Science Based Facts and Knowledge about Wild Animals, Zoos and SARS-CoV-2 Virus’ is being updated regularly as new information comes in. Click here for more information.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a statement which also includes some FAQs. Read it here.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) have issued a join statement with some recommendations for members. It is available here.