This was in response to the report of a Malayan tiger testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in New York’s Bronx zoo. In fact, scientists have flagged that information on potential animal hosts of the virus is crucial to deal with the pandemic. The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) also issued an advisory to all zoos in India, asking them to remain on high alert and monitor animals for any abnormal behaviour. Samples of any suspect animals, if any, have to be sent to animal health institutes to initiate Covid-19 testing, the advisory added. Best would be to sequence the virus in the tiger and the humans working close to the tiger and to see the variables.

Source: Hindustan Times April 06, 2020 18:21 UTC