Multiple gorillas at the Safari Park Zoo in San Diego (USA) have tested positive for COVID-19, in what would be the first cases of captive great apes contracting the coronavirus.
Two of the park’s gorillas began coughing on Wednesday, January 6, prompting zoo veterinarians to analyze fecal samples to detect the virus, considering the possibility that they could be symptoms of the coronavirus that affects more than 90 million people. humans around the world.
The tests were positive on Friday the 8th and were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories of the US Department of Agriculture this Monday.
“Research studies have verified that some non-human primates are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, but this is the first known case of natural transmission to great apes and it is unknown if they will have any serious reactions,” they clarify. representatives of San Diego Zoo Global, a non-profit NGO that operates, among others, this zoo in which gorillas have been affected by coronavirus.
How many gorillas are affected?
It is not clear yet. Tests confirmed the presence of the virus in some of the gorillas, but it has not been ruled out in others. Because gorillas live together, zoo officials assume that the entire group has been exposed.
Three of the gorillas are currently showing signs of illness, including a severe cough, and are being monitored by veterinarians, who will treat each symptom as it arises, the zoo said. All animals are under observation. Experts don’t know how the virus will affect gorillas or how their symptoms might progress.
“Other than a little congestion and coughing, the gorillas are fine,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “The group remains isolated in quarantine and is eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery.”
How have they been infected?
The reasons for the infection are unknown, but there are suspicions that the infection has been passed on by an asymptomatic member of the zoo staff – who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, despite their health precautions. At the moment, more research is needed to confirm the source of the infection and the strain.
Was it really a human-animal transmission? California Governor Gavin Newson reported at a press conference that “That is being determined and we want everyone to respect that process. However, this has long been a concern, human-to-animal transmission, as our beloved gorillas obviously they concern us. “
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people . The CDC is aware that the virus can be transmitted from people to animals in some situations, but again, it says more research is needed.
Other animals have contracted COVID-19 before, including cats, dogs, and mink. Even a tiger from the Bronx Zoo in New York City also tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2020, and three snow leopards tested positive at the Louisville Zoo, but this would be the first case among the largest in living primates.
Reference: San Diego Zoo
