National Zoo's Lions, Tigers Test Presumptive Positive After Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

WASHINGTON, DC — Six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two Amur tigers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, the zoo said Friday.

Last weekend, animal keepers observed decreased appetites, coughing, sneezing and lethargy in several lions and tigers. Fecal samples for the animals were collected and tested presumptive positive. Final results are expected in the next few days, according to the zoo.

All of the lions and tigers that tested positive are being treated with anti-inflammatories and anti-nausea medication to address discomfort and decreased appetite. In addition, all are being treated with antibiotics for presumptive secondary bacterial pneumonia.

The lions and tigers remain under close observation. Given the substantial distance between the animals and visitors, the public is not at risk. No other animals at the National Zoo show any signs of infection, the zoo said.

In April, two tigers tested positive for the coronavirus at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Early in the pandemic, the Bronx Zoo reported that a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger tested positive for COVID-19. Three other tigers and three African lions at the zoo also tested positive for the disease. Each of the animals recovered from the disease.

SEE ALSO: Tigers At Virginia Zoo Test Positive For Coronavirus

The National Zoo said its existing COVID-19 protocols restrict behind-the-scenes access in all animal areas and require use of personal protective equipment, hygiene, cleaning, employee self-screening and health management.

All staff who were in close proximity to the lions and tigers have been investigated. There is no evidence to pinpoint the source of the infection, the zoo said. It is standard practice for all animal care staff and essential staff to mask indoors in all public and non-public areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized the use of a SARS-COV-2 vaccine made specifically for zoo animals by Zoetis.

The first round of COVID-19 vaccine disbursement will be administered to animals identified as a susceptible species at both the National Zoo in D.C. and the Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia when it becomes available in the coming months, the zoo said.