Eight Lions Test Positive for Covid-19 Making Them The First Case of Human to Feline Infection

By Ammar Haziq  •  06 May 2021 in News

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Eight Asiatic lions at a zoo in Hyderabad, India tested positive for Covid-19, making them the first known case of humans infecting felines with the virus in the country.

It was reported that the big cats showed symptoms of Covid-19 on 24 April and the veterinarian team was soon dispatched to take samples to find out if it came from humans, The Hindu reported.

Of the twelve lions at the zoo, eight of them had a cough, fluid coming out of their noses as well as loss of appetite. After further investigation, it was confirmed that all eight lions tested positive for the virus.

“The lions are now housed in separate enclosures with other animals and receiving proper treatment and care,” the zoo’s director, Dr. Sukrety said, as reported by The Independent.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change said the lions showed positive development after receiving treatment. It is said that the lions in recovery are already showing normal behaviour and eating as usual.

The Nehru Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in Asia is closed for visitors to avoid contact between humans and animals there as the zoo takes precautionary measures.