South African lions, pumas contracted COVID-19 from zoo workers

 

Scientists at the University of Pretoria said three lions and two pumas that fell ill with coronavirus were most likely infected by their handlers, some of whom were asymptomatic.

In a published report, the scientists said reverse zoonotic (animal-borne) transmission of COVID-19, “posed a risk to big cats kept in captivity.”

The investigation was launched after three lions at an unnamed private zoo in Johannesburg fell ill last year with breathing difficulties, runny noses and a dry cough.

As the signs were similar to coronavirus among humans, the animals were tested for COVID-19 and these came back positive.

To establish the source of the infection, 12 zoo workers who had had direct and indirect contact with the animals were then tested, five of whom tested positive.

“This data suggests that SARS-CoV-2 was circulating among staff during the time that the lions got sick, and suggests that those with direct contact with the animals were likely responsible for the reverse zoonotic transmission,” said Marietjie Venter, a professor of virology at the university.