Tiger In NYC Zoo Becomes First Animal In US to Get COVID-19

The Associated Press is reporting that a tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for coronavirus. It is believed to be the first known infection of an animal in the United States, or a tiger anywhere, according to officials.

The 4-year-old Tiger, named Nadia, along with six other tigers and lions have fallen ill with COVID-19. They are believed to have been infected by a zoo employee who has the virus but isn't yet showing symptoms. The first animal began showing symptoms on March 27th, and are all doing well and are expected to make a full recovery. The zoo has been closed down since March 16th.

The findings raise new questions about the transmission of the virus in pets and other animals. The USDA says that there are currently no known cases of coronavirus in pets or livestock in the U.S. It also says that it does not recommend the routine testing of animals at this point.

The coronavirus outbreaks in the U.S. and around the world have all been caused by person to person transmission.