An ongoing global pandemic has provided more proof that a long-term, sustainable One Health cooperation is essential. It has severely impacted society in almost every nation on Earth and placed pressure on our networks of food supply, livelihoods, economies, and methods for raising animals. Although the majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs between people, it can also spread from humans to animals. In an effort to protect their animals, several US zoos have launched a parallel vaccination campaign as the COVID-19 vaccine has become widely available.
Knowledge Regarding COVID-19 in Animals
COVID-19: Gorillas Will Expense Vaccines Soon
- It is thought unlikely that the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, will spread to people.
- The virus can occasionally spread from humans to animals, especially when they are near to other.
- A small number of pets worldwide, mainly dogs and cats, have been identified to carry the virus;
- Although it is rare, certain animal-borne coronaviruses can infect humans and then spread to other people.
Covid-19 and the gorillas at Zoo Atlanta
Worldwide, a large number of scientists and veterinarians are currently working quickly to shield animals from the coronavirus, frequently using the same techniques that are used to stop the spread of sickness in humans: This entails social seclusion, medical examinations, and, in certain cases, vaccinations for zoo animals.
The care staff at the Atlanta Zoo has discovered that a number of the animals in the zoo’s western lowland gorilla population were coughing, had runny noses, and had somewhat altered appetites. When nasal, oral, and fecal samples were sent for testing, the zoo received presumed positive results indicating that several gorillas had contracted the COVID-19 virus.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa is awaiting confirmation tests after the zoo management said on Friday, September 10, that they had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, following preliminary testing.
The Sunday Statement’s Rachel Davis claims that the delta variation was found. Additional lab findings should be available in the coming days.
Plans And Quick Actions For Zoo Management
Zoo officials believe that one of their staff members who looks after the gorillas may have been the source of the infection. The worker received the recommended vaccinations and was outfitted with gloves and a mask for protection. In addition, the zoo is gathering samples to test every member of its gorilla population and plans to test the animals on a regular basis, independent of the gorillas’ symptoms. Gorillas live in such close quarters that it is impossible to isolate those who are affected.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that 13 of the gorillas at the zoo, including 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity, were ill. Experts are keeping a close eye on the affected gorillas and believe they will heal completely.
The zoo states that monoclonal antibodies are used to treat gorillas who are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections. Additionally, the zoo is testing each of its twenty gorillas, who are split up into four groups.
Regardless of the gorillas’ symptoms, the zoo personnel routinely checks the entire population of gorillas by gathering samples. Since the gorillas live in close quarters, Rivera told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that it is impossible to separate the affected group.
Visitors’ Zoo
The zoo asserts that tourists are too close to be impacted by gorillas and that there is no evidence linking gorillas to human infection.
Immunization shots
They will receive an animal-specific vaccination after they have recovered. After the gorillas heal, Zoo Atlanta has authorization to vaccinate them with the Zoetis Covid vaccine. The zoo claims that vaccinations for Sumatran tigers, African lions, orangutans, and clouded leopards would soon be administered.
More zoos throughout the nation are preparing to vaccinate their animals as Atlanta zoos react to and stop coronavirus outbreaks among animal populations.
Earlier this year, great apes at the San Diego Zoo also received coronavirus vaccinations:
Every animal is priceless. A group of great apes received an experimental immunization for animals made by the veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Employees at the San Diego Zoo started administering vaccine shots after a group of gorillas became unwell.
Safety Guidelines for Animal Care from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Since diseases that might infect humans can be carried by any animal, it is vital to practice healthy behaviors around pets and other animals.
- Take care of your dogs’ hygiene and tidy up after them.
- Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
- If you are worried about your pet’s health, speak with your veterinarian.
Be advised that elderly people, those with weakened immune systems, and children under five are more susceptible to illness from infections carried by certain animals.
How Do You Proceed If Your Pet Gives a Positive Test?
COVID-19: Gorillas Will Expense Vaccines Soon
Based on the limited evidence available thus far, it is believed that there is little chance of pets spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. In numerous countries, including the US, a tiny proportion of pet dogs and cats have been shown to be infected with the COVID-19 virus.
If you think you may have COVID-19 or that your pet may have it, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises you to avoid contact with animals until more details regarding this new coronavirus are known. Refrain from petting, kissing, licking, sharing food or sleeping, and touching your pet. If your pet becomes sick or if you are concerned about their health, speak with your veterinarian.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories of the USDA receive reports on any animal that tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a commercial or public laboratory and forwards them for additional testing.
H/T : Ozzackk.com
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