Zoo vaccinates its animals against Covid-19
The zoo in Oakland is vaccinating tigers, bears, and mountain lions against COVID-19 using an experimental animal vaccine. Monkeys and bats are also set to be vaccinated.
In the USA, animals are now getting the jab against the coronavirus.
The zoo in Oakland, California has begun vaccinating tigers, bears, mountain lions, and ferrets against Covid-19.
According to a statement from the Oakland Zoo (in the US state of California), the experimental vaccine is to be administered to monkeys, fruit bats, and pigs. It is a vaccine for animals produced by US manufacturer Zoetis. Until now, the zoo had relied on protective measures such as distancing, barriers, and protective clothing for staff.
They are now “relieved” to be able to better protect the animals with a vaccine, said veterinarian Alex Herman. According to the statement, the animal health company Zoetis plans to donate more than 11’000 doses of the vaccine to nearly 70 zoos and other facilities across the USA.
Humans transmitted coronavirus to animals
In March, the first great apes at San Diego Zoo were vaccinated with the vaccine developed for animals. The animals received their second dose after three weeks each time. Prior to this, eight gorillas at the zoo had tested positive for the virus in January.
The symptoms were mild, however, and limited to coughing, congestion, and fatigue. The monkeys have fully recovered, according to the statement. It was suspected that the animals had become infected by an asymptomatic staff member despite the zoo's safety precautions.
