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Mystery at the Belgium Zoo: Two hippos infected with corona
The Antwerp Zoo said the two - a mother and daughter - are in good condition but have a runny nose, and the source of the infection is unknown at this time.
This is probably the first verified case in the world among hippos, although the virus has already been detected in other animals
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Belgium
Hippos
Corona virus
News agencies
Sunday, 05 December 2021, 10:54
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The therapists were diagnosed negative for the virus.
Hippos (Photo: ShutterStock, Guillermo Ossa)
A zoo in the Belgian city of Antwerp announced yesterday (Saturday) that two hippos have been positively diagnosed with the corona virus, and they have been placed in isolation. The zoo said it was unclear how Imani, 14, and Hermione, 41, contracted the virus, but said they were in good condition and only had a runny nose. Until their inspections were negative, the zoo tightened restrictions on visitors to the complex.
The hippos' noses are usually wet, but veterinarians at the zoo decided to examine the pair after noticing they had some sort of runny nose. The hippopotamus compound is closed, and their caregivers - who came out negative - must wear masks and safety goggles, and disinfect their shoes before any contact with the hippos.
"To the best of my knowledge, this is the first documented infection among this species. Around the world, this virus is mostly seen in large monkeys and cats," said Francis Warkman, a veterinarian at the zoo.
Since the outbreak of the corona plague, cases have been reported around the world where animals in zoos, farms or homes have been infected with the virus.
Last week, Canada diagnosed three deer with the virus, in first cases detected among the country's wildlife.
However, given the limited testing done on animals in the wild, it is difficult to know how common the virus - which probably originated in bats - is.
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