NEW DELHI, May 4, 2021 (BSS) – Eight Asiatic lions at Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad have been tested positive for SARS-CoV2 virus although they were “recovering well” after treatment.
The lions were diagnosed SARS-Cov2 positive following analysis of samples on April 24 when they showed signs of respiratory distress, sources from the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said here today.
The analysis of the samples revealed that the infection was not caused by any variant of concern. “All the eight lions have responded well to the treatment and recovering. They are behaving normally and eating well,” the ministry sources said.
As part of the precautionary measures, the authority has closed the zoo for all the staff and visitors to avoid minimal external contact.
However, as part of the next steps, new guidelines for Covid-19 precautions are being further developed in consultation with experts.
According to a statement issued by the ministry later today said that there was no factual evidence that animals can transmit the disease to humans any further.