Gorillas in US zoo test positive for Covid-19 in ‘world's FIRST’ suspected human-to-animal transmission
At least three gorillas at a zoo in California have contracted Covid-19, becoming the first known cases among the species in the US, and possibly the world. They are believed to have been infected by an asymptomatic staff member.
At least three gorillas at a zoo in California have contracted Covid-19, becoming the first known cases among the species in the US, and possibly the world. They are believed to have been infected by an asymptomatic staff member.
All eight members of the gorilla troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are being re-tested and monitored after three of the primates turned up positive for the illness on Monday, the US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) said in a statement, noting they are the “first gorillas in the United States to be confirmed positive” for the coronavirus.
“It is suspected that they acquired the infection from an asymptomatic staff member with Covid-19, despite precautions taken by the zoo,” the NVSL said, adding: “The gorillas are expected to fully recover.”
