An African lion at the Singapore Zoo has tested positive for COVID-19 after showing signs of illness, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said on Wednesday (November 10th).
According to CNA, this comes a day after it was announced that four Asiatic lions at the Night Safari had contracted the coronavirus.
Photo via Social News XYZ
“The faecal sample taken from the African lion at the Singapore Zoo that has shown signs of sickness on November 8th has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus via PCR,” says AVS.
Nine Asiatic lions at the Night Safari and five African lions at the Singapore Zoo have been isolated, including the five that have COVID-19.
“All lions are isolated within their respective dens.
“We will continue to work with the Mandai Wildlife Group to closely monitor the health of the lions, which includes sampling and testing of their faecal material for the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” they added.
AVS also noted that according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), there is currently no evidence that animals play a role in the spread of COVID-19 to humans.
However, there have been “sporadic and isolated” reports of animals testing positive for the virus in other countries, after being in close contact with people who are infected with COVID-19.
Our Asian lions at Night Safari are recovering from the Covid virus after testing positive. For now, they are bright,...
Posted by Mandai Wildlife Reserve on Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Aww, poor things! Hope they’re well!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
