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Can pets infect us with coronavirus? 4:30
(CNN) - A 4-year-old Malay tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York tested positive for coronavirus, which causes covid-19 in humans. This is the first time that a tiger has been infected, according to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The tiger, named Nadia, along with her sister Azul, two Amur tigers and three African lions "developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover," said a zoo press release.
Nadia samples were taken and analyzed after several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness, the USDA said in a statement.
READ: Cats can get coronaviruses, but experts say there is nothing to worry about
“Although they have experienced a decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their caregivers. It is unknown how this disease will develop in big cats as the species may react differently to new infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries, "the zoo statement said.
The zoo said that the big cats were infected by a person who cared for them, who was asymptomatic or had not yet developed symptoms.
"Appropriate preventive measures have been put in place for all staff caring for them and the other cats in our four WCS zoos, to prevent further exposure of any of our other cats in the zoo," the statement concluded.
Animals