New York Horangi Followed by Spain Sajado Also Infected with COVID-19... Which Animals Are in the 'Ultra-High Risk' Group?

Two Zoo Employees Also Test Positive

A lioness inside the zoo. Recently, four lions at a zoo in Barcelona, Spain, tested positive for COVID-19.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Four lions at a zoo in Barcelona, Spain, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 8th, the British BBC and others reported that after conducting COVID-19 tests at a zoo in Barcelona, a total of four lions?female lions Jalla, Nima, and Runrun, and male lion Kiumbe?were confirmed positive.

The zoo stated that the lions were tested after showing collective cold symptoms.

The zoo said, "The lions did not show severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and are in good condition," adding, "We are currently administering anti-inflammatory medication and monitoring their progress."

It was also reported that two zoo employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Local health authorities believe the lions contracted COVID-19 through contact with asymptomatic infected staff, but the exact infection route has not yet been identified.

The zoo stated, "Visitors cannot approach the lions closely, so there should be no visitors infected because of the lions."

This is the second confirmed case of COVID-19 infection in large felines. Previously, in April, a female tiger at the Bronx Zoo in the United States was confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.

The Barcelona veterinarian said, "We will seek advice from a group of veterinarians in New York to prevent transmission and treat the animals."

Meanwhile, according to a study by the University of California, a comparative analysis of receptor protein structures in 410 species of vertebrates, including birds, fish, and amphibians, classified humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas as 'ultra-high risk' animals for COVID-19 infection.

High-risk animals include white-tailed deer, Chinese hamsters, and bottlenose dolphins, while tigers, sheep, cats, and cattle fall into the medium-risk group. Low-risk animals include pigs, horses, dogs, and elephants, and mice, sea lions, American crows, and American alligators are classified as 'ultra-low risk' animals.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.