Lions in Singaporean parks infected with COVID-19

An African lion in the Singapore Zoo exhibited mild signs of sickness including coughing, sneezing, and lethargy, Reuters said. The animal has tested positive for COVID-19, after similar results confirmed for four other Asiatic lions at the nearby zoo zone.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) explained that there is currently no evidence that animals play a role in the spread of COVID-19 to humans. However, the Singapore Zoo confirmed that the lions infected with the novel pathogen.

According to the zoo personnel, An African lion was coughing and sneezing, in general, demonstrating the COVID-19 mild symptoms. Reportedly, they had been exposed to infected staff from Mandai Wildlife Group, which runs both zoo parks.

Now, the animals are isolated within their respective dens and are expected to make full recovery with supportive treatment.

Singapore continues its fight against the worst COVID-19 outbreak since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. As of Thursday, recording between 2,000 and 3,000 new infections every day and some deaths, Vietnam Plus has learned.