Coronavirus: Tiger In New York Tests Positive For Covid-19; Can Humans Infect Animals Too?

A tiger in New York’s Bronx zoo has tested positive for coronavirus. According to reports, the animal contracted Covid-19 by an asymptomatic zoo employee. Incidents of human to animal transfer have also been reported from other countries. This raises the question can humans infect animals with coronavirus?

Image: Tiger in zoo, Bronx Zoo, New York, USA - stock photo/ Getty Images

New Delhi: A tiger in New York’s Bronx zoo has tested positive for coronavirus. According to reports, the animal contracted Covid-19 by an asymptomatic zoo employee. The four-year-old Malaysian tiger named Nadia and six other big cats in the zoo have been infected by the virus. Report by IANS says that the cat started showing symptoms including a dry cough since last month. "Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers." Since the zoo has been closed since mid- March it is believed that the cat was infected by the caretaker who did not show any symptoms at the time. “We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus," the zoo said in a statement. After this incident zoos in India have been advised to be on high alert and monitor animals 24/7 through CCTV for any possible symptoms of Covid-19. Incidents of human to animal transfer have also been reported from other countries. In Hong Kong, two dogs, a Pomeranian and a German Shepherd were reported infected with SARS-CoV-2 which causes Covid-19. The 17-year-old Pomeranian dog was declared coronavirus free after being quarantined at a government facility in Hong Kong and sent home after testing negative but died a few days later. In both cases it was reported that that owners themselves had tested positive with the virus. A similar case was reported in Belgium were a cat was tested positive for coronavirus after the owner fell ill with Covid-19. The coronavirus comes from a family of viruses that can infect human beings and mammals such as cattle, pigs, cats, dogs, etc. There are also coronaviruses that infect animals such as cats and dogs but have no effect on humans. The current pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which was transferred by animals to humans. But a few cases are now raising questions of a human to animal transmission. A recent study done by Chinese researchers highlighted the vulnerability of animals to the virus especially cats. The research done by Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, China has found out that cats are susceptible to contracting new coronavirus and can pass it on to other cats. The virus is transmitted in cats via respiratory droplets. The team of Chinese researchers said, “We investigated the susceptibility of ferrets and animals in close contact with humans to SARS-CoV-2. We found that SARS-CoV-2 replicates poorly in dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks, but efficiently in ferrets and cats." But the researchers clarified that there is no direct evidence that cats would be able to infect their owners. While the study on a human to animal transmission is still ongoing if proven it could have a great impact on industries such as agriculture. Till research gives new insight, it is best to follow precautionary measures such as social distancing with your pet if one is tested positive, being careful while taking pets out for a walk and ensuring that they do not come close to those infected with the virus and keeping your pets in quarantine pet if necessary. Maintaining your personal hygiene by washing hands can also prevent the passing of the virus to pets.