Several gorillas contract COVID-19 at US zoo

Variety 12:02 PM - 2021-01-12

Credit: San Diego Zoo Global Archives

Members of the Gorilla Troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the US state of California have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, San Diego Zoo said in a news release on Monday.

 

The zoo said that earlier on Wednesday two of the gorillas showed symptoms and began coughing.

 

On January 8, the preliminary tests detected the presence of the virus in the gorilla troop. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the positive results on Monday, January 11.

 

The test results confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in some of the gorillas and do not definitively rule out the presence of the virus in other members of the troop, the zoo said.

 

“Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery.”

 

The zoo suspects that the gorillas acquired the infection from an asymptomatic staff member, despite following all recommended precautions including COVID-19 safety protocols

 

 

 

PUKmedia - Edited by Baha Amin