Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Two hippos at the Antwerp Zoo in Belgium have tested positive Covid-19. This finding is said to be the first case of Covid-19 to appear in the species.
Hippos named 14-year-old Imani and 41-year-old Hermien reportedly had no symptoms other than a runny nose.
However, the zoo management said the couple were still in quarantine as a precautionary measure to prevent further transmission.
To my knowledge, this is the first time this species [dilaporkan positif Covid-19],” said the zoo’s veterinarian, Francis Vercammen.
“Around the world, this virus has been reported [muncul pada hewan] especially great apes and cats.”
Antwerp Zoo is now investigating the cause of the contagion. The management said that none of the zookeepers had recently shown symptoms or tested positive for Covid-19.
The corona virus has passed from animals to humans and it is now increasingly suspected that the virus can be transmitted from humans to animals.
A number of pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets have been reported to be infected with Covid-19 after contact with their owners.
Meanwhile, at the zoo, Covid-19 cases were reported to appear in animals classified as big cats such as tigers, then in otters, primates, and hyenas.
In August 2021, as many as two Sumatran tigers in the Ragunan Wildlife Park (TMR) were confirmed positive for Covid-19. They also undergo isolation from other animals.
Covid-19 has also reportedly spread on mink farms and to wild animals such as deer.
(Reuters/end)
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