The pandemic is escalating in the States at the moment and we’re witnessing what is believed to be one of the first known animal infections of the virus.

A tiger at New York’s Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 alongside six OTHER tigers and lions.

An assumption has been made that the animals were infected by a zoo employee who has yet to show any symptoms. 

The zoo hasn’t been open to the public since mid-March.

“We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution,” the zoo’s chief veterinarian, Dr Paul Calle, has stated.

4 tigers and 3 lions showed symptoms of dry coughs, wheezing and some loss of appetite. 

All the animals are expected to fully recover, however this is bringing into question the effect the virus has on animals.


Apparently there are no known cases of the virus in pets or livestock in the US, however is that because tests are not being done?

Small reports have been published of pets outside the US being infected from contagious humans.

A dog in Hong Kong has a positive test result in February, however professionals have stated an animal can’t then pass the virus onto humans. 

This case might start more research into animal welfare surrounding the virus.