USDA Statement on the Confirmation of COVID-19 in a Tiger in New York
Published on April 07, 2020
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) in one tiger at a zoo in New York. This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with COVID-19. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness.
Public health officials believe these large cats became sick
after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. The zoo
has been closed to the public since mid-March, and the first tiger began
showing signs of sickness on March 27. All of these large cats are expected to
recover. There is no evidence that other animals in other areas of the zoo are
showing symptoms.
USDA and CDC are monitoring the situation and working to
support the state and local health departments and state animal health
officials. State animal and public health officials will take the lead in
making determinations about whether animals, either at this zoo or in other
areas, should be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. USDA will notify the World
Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of this finding.
Anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with
animals, out of an abundance of caution including pets, during their illness,
just as they would with other people. Although there have not been reports of
pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended
that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more
information is known about the virus. If a sick person must care for a pet or
be around animals, they should wash their hands before and after the interaction.
Questions and Answers:
Can people give this virus to animals and, if so, what
animals are at risk? This is the first case of its kind. We are still learning
about this new coronavirus and how it spreads. This case suggests that a zoo
employee spread the virus to the tiger. Further studies are needed to
understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19. State
animal and public health officials will continue to work closely with USDA and
CDC to monitor this situation and will conduct additional testing if it is
warranted.
If multiple animals were showing symptoms, why was only one
tested? Only one tiger was tested as the collection of diagnostic
samples in big cats requires general anesthesia. Since all tigers and lions
were exhibiting similar respiratory symptoms, the attending veterinarian felt
it was in the best interest of the animals to limit the potential risks of
general anesthesia to one tiger for diagnostics.
If animals can catch the virus, can they give it back to
people? At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any
animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, can spread COVID-19 infection
to people.
Will this finding prompt additional testing of animals? No. This is an evolving situation, however, routine testing
of zoo or personal animals is not recommended at this time. Public and animal
health officials may decide to test certain animals that are showing signs of
illness and that are known to have been exposed to the virus. More information about how those decisions will be made is available here.
Should any animal showing signs of respiratory illness be
tested? USDA and CDC do not recommend routine testing of animals for
this virus. Because the situation is ever-evolving, public and animal health
officials may decide to test certain animals out of an abundance of caution.
The decision to test will be made collaboratively between local, state or
federal public and animal health officials.
Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am
sick from coronavirus (COVID-19)? You should restrict contact with pets and other animals
while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with other people.
Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the
United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit
contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When
possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you
are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including
petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care
for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before
and after you interact with pets. Click here for more information on how to keep people and animals safe.
What should I do if I think my animal has the virus?
Call your veterinary clinic with any questions about your
animal’s health. In order to ensure the veterinary clinic is prepared for the
household animal, the owner should call ahead and arrange the hospital or
clinic visit. Make sure to tell your veterinarian if your animal was exposed a
person sick with COVID-19, and if your animal is showing any signs of illness.
Veterinarians who believe an animal should be tested will contact state animal
health officials, who will work with public and animal health authorities to
decide whether samples should be collected and tested.
Could this affect tigers or other animals at other zoos
across the United States?
There is no evidence of this virus affecting
animals at any other facilities in the United States. However, anyone sick with
COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, including pets, during their
illness, just as they would with other people. Although there have not been reports
of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still
recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until
more information is known about the virus. If a sick person must care for a pet
or be around animals, they should wash their hands before and after the
interaction.
For additional information, feel free to email APHISpress@usda.gov.
You may also contact the Central California Veterinary Medical Association
at
info@ccvma.net.
