“This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with Covid-19,” according to the federal agriculture department. It is believed to be the first case of “human-to-cat transmission”. The tiger, a 4-year old Malayan tiger named Nadia, appeared visibly sick by March 27. Nadia later tested positive for covid-19.
Although only one tiger was tested, the virus appeared to have infected other animals as well, because “several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness” according to the report.
Public health officials believe that the large cats caught Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, from a zoo employee.
The tiger was the only animal tested because the procedure involved general anaesthesia, the Agriculture Department said. While there were other tigers and lions showing similar symptoms, the veterinarian wanted to limit the potential risks of general anaesthesia to one animal, it said.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread Covid-19 infection to people,” it said.
