Species360 Members: Bronx Zoo reports first case of COVID-19 in an animal in U.S.

April 3, 2020
Mary Ellen Amodeo
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On April 5, Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo reported what is believed to be the first COVID-19 case in an animal in the United States. In its statement the zoo said that they plan to contribute any knowledge gained about COVID-19 to further the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus.

Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover. (Photo courtesy of WCS)

In comments reported in National Geographic, Bronx Zoo chief veterinarian Paul Calle said the Malayan tiger, named Nadia, likely contracted the coronavirus from an infected—but unknown—asymptomatic zookeeper.

“It’s the first time, to our knowledge, that a [wild] animal has gotten sick from COVID-19 from a person,” he said. “It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

See the statement from AZA/AAZV.

Read the full statement from WCS here.