The Independent reported that 18 Gorillas at the Zoo Atlanta tested positive for COVID-19. Handlers at Zoo Atlanta noticed that a number of western lowland gorillas were experiencing mild coughs, runny noses and slight loss of appetite, so they collected fecal samples and tested the gorillas for disease.
The disease was most likely transmitted to the gorillas from an asymptomatic worker who subsequently tested positive. The employee was vaccinated, according to a report. Zoo Atlanta’s policy requires all workers to wear gloves, masks and face shields while on the job.
The tests were conducted at a University of Georgia lab. Covid tests were also sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Amex, Iowa. Zoo Atlanta is reportedly awaiting those results before definitively saying that the gorillas have Covid.
All 20 gorillas living at the facility are now being tested for Covid. There are four gorilla troops at Zoo Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), members in each troop have shown signs of infection. Zoo Atlanta spokesperson, Rachel Davis, told the AJC that employees are not mandated to take Covid vaccines.
Zoo Atlanta’s Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, African lions, clouded leopard, and Sumatran tigers have all received the Zoetis vaccine, which was developed for veterinary use.
In the United States, respiratory disease and increases in mink deaths have been seen on most affected mink farms. There is a possibility of mink spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people on mink farms. Mink-to-human spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland, and new data suggest it might have occurred in the United States. 17 Million of mink were killed in Denmark in November 2020. Their bloated carcasses rose from the ground where they were buried. Locals referred to them as Zombie Mink.
Zoos in San Diego and Detroit have also vaccinated their at-risk animals. The US Centers for Disease Control has stated that animals are not a major contributing factor to spreading Covid to humans. Research is ongoing so there are many unanswered questions.