Jakarta (ANTARA) – Two hippos at the Antwerp Zoo in Belgium have tested positive for the coronavirus, possibly the first case of the species, the zoo said.
The hippos named Imani, 14, and Hermein, 41, had no symptoms other than the flu. But the zoo said it had quarantined the two as a precaution.
“To my knowledge, this is the first case of this species. Worldwide this virus has been reported mainly in apes and big cats,” said zoo doctor Francis Vercammen.
The coronavirus is thought to have jumped from animals to humans and has been shown to be contagious from humans to animals.
Pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets have been infected after coming into contact with their owners. Meanwhile, at the zoo, cases of COVID-19 were reported in animals such as big cats, otters, primates and hyenas.
The disease has also spread on mink farms and to wildlife such as deer.
Antwerp Zoo is now investigating the cause of the contagion.
According to him, none of the zookeepers has recently shown symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19.
Source: Reuters
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