PITTSBURGH — Two tigers at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium have tested positive for COVID-19, and show symptoms including coughing, WPXI reported.
In a press release, the zoo said the initial positive results came from a rapid antigen test and was later confirmed with nasal swabs.
The infected tigers likely contracted the virus from a human employee, and are expected to make a full recovery, WPXI reported.
In April, two female lions at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium tested positive for COVID-19, but have since made a full recovery, according to the zoo’s website.
Through the pandemic, there have been reports of animals getting COVID-19 and even dying, but the instances have been rare, USA Today reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19, but that people with suspected or confirmed cases should avoid contact with all animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.
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