Date Published: 06/04/2020
ARCHIVED - Tiger tests positive for coronavirus
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Cats can transmit the virus but are not considered a risk to the human population
Following the news ten days ago that a cat in Liège (Belgium) had tested positive for the coronavirus (a story which, it has since been reported, it has not been possible to confrim), another case of feline infection has been reported in New York, where one of the tigers at the Bronx zoo is believed to have picked up the virus from a keeper.
The alleged case in Liège came to light after a pet cat was taken to the vet when its owner tested positive, and it has since been confirmed that Covid-19 can be passed from one cat to another but that this should not be considered a risk factor for human beings. The unfortunate New York tiger, meanwhile, has become the first known animal case of the virus in the USA, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, and has been identified as Nadia, a 4-year-old Malayan tigress.
To date Nadia’s sister Azul, two Siberian tigers and three lions have all tested negative despite having developed symptoms of coughs and a slight loss of appetite.
The zoo has been closed to the public since 16th March as part of the restrictions in New York.
Image: Bronx Zoo
Remember: LOCKDOWN MEANS LOCKDOWN. STAY AT HOME. STAY SAFE AND DO YOUR BIT TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS.
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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus
The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212) if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre.
Sensible precautions
The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:
- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel
- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!
- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity
- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell
- Don´t panic!