Covid-19 scare: India’s zoos on high alert after tiger tests positive in US

New Delhi: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on Monday asked all zoos across the country to be on high alert and collect samples fortnightly in suspected cases after a tiger at a US zoo tested positive for coronavirus.

In a letter to all states and Union territories, CZA Member Secretary S P Yadav said the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed Covid-19 in a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York.

“Zoos in the country are, therefore, advised to remain on highest alertness, and monitor animals 24X7 using CCTVs for any abnormal behaviour or symptoms,” it said.

The authority said mammals, especially cats, ferrets and primates, need to be carefully monitored and fortnightly samples of suspected cases be sent to designated animal health institutes for Covid-19 testing.

PTI