4/5/2020 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wcm/connect/APHIS_Content_Library/SA_Newsroom/SA_News/SA_By_Date/SA-2020/ny-zoo-covid-19?

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Animal and Plant

News Release
Health Inspection Service
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
Voice 301-851-4100
Web: http://www.aphis.usda.gov

USDA Statement on the Confirmation of COVID-19 in a Tiger in New York

(Washington, D.C. April 5, 2020) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes
COVID-19 in humans) in one tiger at a zoo in New York. This is the first instance of a tiger being
infected with COVID-19. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after several lions and
tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness.

Public health officials believe these large cats became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee
who was actively shedding virus. The zoo has been closed to the public since mid-March, and the
first tiger began showing signs of sickness on March 27. All of these large cats are expected to
recover. There is no evidence that other animals in other areas of the zoo are showing symptoms.

USDA and CDC are monitoring the situation and working to support the state and local health
departments and state animal health officials. State animal and public health officials will take the
lead in making determinations about whether animals, either at this zoo or in other areas, should
be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. USDA will notify the World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE) of this finding.

Anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, out of an abundance of caution
including pets, during their illness, just as they would with other people. Although there have not
been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended
that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known
about the virus. If a sick person must care for a pet or be around animals, they should wash their
hands before and after the interaction.

Questions and Answers:

Can people give this virus to animals and, if so, what animals are at risk?

This is the first case of its kind. We are still learning about this new coronavirus and how it
spreads. This case suggests that a zoo employee spread the virus to the tiger. Further studies are
needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19. State animal
and public health officials will continue to work closely with USDA and CDC to monitor this
situation and will conduct additional testing if it is warranted.

If multiple animals were showing symptoms, why was only one tested?

Only one tiger was tested as the collection of diagnostic samples in big cats requires general
anesthesia. Since all tigers and lions were exhibiting similar respiratory symptoms, the attending
veterinarian felt it was in the best interest of the animals to limit the potential risks of general
anesthesia to one tiger for diagnostics.

If animals can catch the virus, can they give it back to people?

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can
spread COVID-19 infection to people.
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Will this finding prompt additional testing of animals?

No. This is an evolving situation, however, routine testing of zoo or personal animals is not
recommended at this time. Public and animal health officials may decide to test certain animals
that are showing signs of illness and that are known to have been exposed to the virus. More
information about how those decisions will be made is available here:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/one_health/downloads/faq-public-on-companion-
animal-testing.pdf

Should any animal showing signs of respiratory illness be tested?

USDA and CDC do not recommend routine testing of animals for this virus. Because the
situation is ever-evolving, public and animal health officials may decide to test certain animals
out of an abundance of caution. The decision to test will be made collaboratively between local,
state or federal public and animal health officials.

Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick from coronavirus (COVID-
19)?

You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just
like you would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick
with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19
limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have
another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with
COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and
sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your
hands before and after you interact with pets. More information is available on how to keep
people and animals safe at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-
coping/animals.html.

What should I do if I think my animal has the virus?

Call your veterinary clinic with any questions about your animal’s health. In order to ensure the
veterinary clinic is prepared for the household animal, the owner should call ahead and arrange
the hospital or clinic visit. Make sure to tell your veterinarian if your animal was exposed a
person sick with COVID-19, and if your animal is showing any signs of illness. Veterinarians
who believe an animal should be tested will contact state animal health officials, who will work
with public and animal health authorities to decide whether samples should be collected and
tested.

Could this affect tigers or other animals at other zoos across the United States?

There is no evidence of this virus affecting animals at any other facilities in the United States.
However, anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, including pets,
during their illness, just as they would with other people. Although there have not been reports of
pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick
with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. If a
sick person must care for a pet or be around animals, they should wash their hands before and
after the interaction.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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