The transmission of the virus by the man to the animals “presents a risk for great cats in captivity”, warns the study conducted by the University of Pretoria.
Le Monde with AFP
Two pumas and three lions living in captivity in a zoo in South Africa were contaminated by CIVID-19, the virus that was likely transmitted by asymptomatic staff, according to a study published on Tuesday 18 January.
The transmission of the virus by the man to the animals “presents a risk for great cattle felines”, warns the study conducted by the University of Pretoria. In particular because PCR tests have shown that the felines were positive up to seven weeks after being contaminated, suggesting that animals can be affected by “a more serious form of the disease”, highlights the report.
Symptoms similar to those of humans
The study was launched after three Lions in Africa were tested positive at CVIV-19 in 2021. They had symptoms similar to those of humans: breathing difficulties, nasal flows, cough. A lioness has developed pneumonia.
Five zoo employees in contact with the animals were tested positive, suggesting that the origin of the infection came from the man. The sequencing of the tests established that it was the delta variant, then dominant in South Africa.
One year ago, two pumas with signs of anorexia and with diarrhea and nasal flow had also been positive to COVID-19. They were healed after three weeks. In their case, neither the source of contamination nor the variant could not be determined.