Gorillas At US Zoo Being Treated For Covid
Muhammad Irfan Published September 12, 2021 | 04:50 PM
Washington, Sept 12 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2021 ) :Several gorillas at Zoo Atlanta in the southern US state of Georgia have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus, the zoo said.
The western lowland gorillas were tested after keepers saw them coughing and other symptoms, it said.
Initial tests indicated they were positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 and the zoo said in a statement Friday it was awaiting the results of confirmatory tests from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.
Gorillas at risk of developing complications were being treated with monoclonal antibodies and the zoo's whole population of 20 gorillas was being tested.
"The teams are very closely monitoring the affected gorillas and are hopeful they will make a complete recovery. They are receiving the best possible care," said Sam Rivera, senior director of animal health at Zoo Atlanta.
"We are very concerned that these infections occurred, especially given that our safety protocols when working with great apes and other susceptible animal species are, and throughout the pandemic have been, extremely rigorous." The zoo said it believed the gorillas were infected by an asymptomatic keeper, despite the employee being fully vaccinated and wearing personal protective equipment.
"While humans are known to be able to transmit the virus to animals such as gorillas, and these cases have occurred at other zoos, there is currently no data to suggest that zoo animals can transmit the virus to humans," the zoo said.
In any case, it said visitors did not pose a threat due to the distance between them and the primates' habitat.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that 13 of the zoo's gorillas were infected, including 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity.
Rivera told the paper Ozzie was showing mild symptoms.
"We don't feel that we're out of the woods," he added. "We're taking it on a day by day basis." Zoo Atlanta said it has been authorized to use the Zoetis Covid vaccine, developed for animals, and would inoculate the gorillas when they recover.
The zoo said it would also vaccinate its orangutans, Sumatran tigers, African lions and clouded leopard.
Covid-19 has also been known to infect domestic cats and dogs.
Recent Stories
Meter tampering, gas theft main reasons behind over billing in Balochistan: Tara ..
JUI-F chief expresses concerns about state of democracy in Pakistan
Four terrorists involved in suicide attack on Chinese in Besham arrested
SIC chief asks PTI leaders to resign from assemblies
Pakistan working tirelessly to eradicate polio from country: PM
IHC Justice Sattar dismisses pleas moved by FIA, PEMRA and PTA in audio leaks ca ..
Gillespie, Kirsten feature in 48th edition of PCB Podcast
Security forces kill four terrorists in Tank
Fake immoral video of Ducky Bhai's wife goes on viral on social media
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 April 2024
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
21 hours ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
1 day ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
1 day ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
2 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
3 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
3 days ago
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
6 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
7 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
8 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
8 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
8 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
8 days ago