California zoo witnesses first known case of COVID-19 virus in apes
Kathmandu. At least two gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus. It is believed to be the first known case of natural transmission of the virus to the apes.
According to the official media statement, two of the eight gorillas in the zoo began coughing last week on January 6. Two days later, a preliminary test of the faecal samples by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System confirmed the presence of the virus in some of the gorillas.
The Executive Director of the Park, Lisa Peterson said that apart from coughing and congestion, the Gorillas are doing well. However, in order to secure safety, the Gorilla troop is kept in quarantine and the public facilities have been closed since last week.
Studies have found that non-human primates including Gorillas are susceptible to the viral infection as they share the majority of their genetic material with humans.
Media reports suggest that the infection must have been transmitted to the gorillas by an asymptomatic caretaker.
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