NEW YORK — A tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the coronavirus.
This is the first known infection in an animal or a tiger anywhere, The Associated Press reported.
It is believed Nadia, a 4-year-old Malayan tiger, was exposed to the virus by an employee at the zoo, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the @BronxZoo, has tested positive for #COVID19, according to @TheWCS. pic.twitter.com/XOJqi9GBJc
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) April 5, 2020
Several lions and tigers were showing symptoms of the virus March 27, but only the one tested positive. All of the big cats are expected to recover.
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The zoo has been closed to the public since about mid-March. Other animals in the zoo are not showing signs of the virus.
The zoo on Tuesday shared video on social media of the tigers enjoying a swim.
A morning moment of #ZooandAquariumZen brought to you by our Malayan tigers going for a swim. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/PgWh7rBgei
— Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) March 31, 2020
Agriculture officials are warning people infected with the coronavirus to avoid their pets, like they would other people.
“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,” agriculture officials said in a statement. “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.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
