Advertisement

Updated May 5th, 2021 at 19:35 IST

Hyderabad: 8 Asiatic lions test COVID-19 positive at Nehru Zoological Park, under recovery

Eight Asiatic lions at Nehru Zoological Park have tested positive for COVID-19. The lions are under isolation and are responding well to treatment.

Reported by: Aanchal Nigam
Hyderabad
Image credits: Pixabay/Unsplash | Image:self
Advertisement

Marking a first in India, animals at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad have tested positive for COVID-19 caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Several Asiatic lions at Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad showed mild symptoms of the disease that has rocked the world since it originated in China in December 2019. 

As per a statement by CSIR-CCMB, zoo authorities collected the lions' nasal and throat samples which later turned out to be positive. However, it also said that the genomes of the samples were not concerning. APFCC and Director of Zoos in Telangana, Dr S Kukrety, the lions have now been isolated at the zoo from the other animals and are receiving treatment. 

Presently, all 8 Asiatic lions are doing good and are under recovery. As per several media reports, there are eight lions including four male and female each, who showed such COVID-19 symptoms. According to March 2021 analysis by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronavirus can spread from people to animals in some situations such as close contact of the animal with an infected person.

Can animals actively spread SARS-CoV-2?

As per CDC analysis dated March 23, 2021, some variants of the coronavirus that can infect the animals can spread to people and then eventually spread between humans. However, the authorities noted that it is “rare.” CDC also noted that this was the same path that SARS-CoV-2 followed as it is likely to be originated in bats as the early infections were linked to a live animal market in China’s Wuhan. The novel coronavirus, which has now emerged into several other more infectious variants, spreads easily from person to person. But, CDC denied valid reports of animal playing an active role in spreading the pathogen.

CDC said in a statement, “At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people. Based on the available information to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by SARS-CoV-2.”

While the infection of lions in Hyderabad zoo is the first case for India, there have already been cases of animals such as cats and dogs and other animals being infected with SARS-CoV-2. The researchers do not know all animals that can get infected with the novel coronavirus, yet. There have been reports of animals testing COVID-19 positive across the globe and as per CDC, “most of these animals became infected after contact with people with COVID-19.”

Image credits: Pixabay/Unsplash

 

Advertisement

Published May 4th, 2021 at 12:42 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Christopher, Wife Emma To Get British Knighthood And Damehood
3 minutes ago
The tax notice sent to the Congress party pertains to the assessment years 2017 to 2021.
11 minutes ago
Tie-dye printed shirts
15 minutes ago
A case has been registered against former minister and BRS working president KTR in Hanmakonda
16 minutes ago
Ramban Accident
27 minutes ago
Bitcoin
29 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
31 minutes ago
Faridabad Fire: Massive Blaze Engulfs Factory in Bhankri Village, Panic Grips Locality
41 minutes ago
Riyan Parag
42 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo