Two tigers at ZooTampa have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a Thursday statement from zoo officials.
The 16-year-old and 7-year-old Malayan tigers presented mild respiratory symptoms, and nasal swabs and fecal samples confirmed they were positive for COVID-19, according to a report.
All tests were approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the report noted.
“The zoo’s animal care team works rigorously with many of the animals to allow our medical team to conduct tests such as the nasal swab required for testing with the voluntary participation of the animal,” said Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, the zoo’s senior vice president of animal health, conservation, and education.
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The tigers’ condition was reported to the Department of Agriculture, and ZooTampa has a COVID-19 prevention plan for its mammals that mandates vaccines and the usage of personal protective equipment by staff, according to the report.
“At this point, we are unsure how the vaccinated animals got the virus, but we have seen instances around the world where the virus has been transmitted from humans to big cats and primates even with strict biosecurity protocols in place,” Stringfield said.
The two tigers are receiving treatment and around-the-clock monitoring, according to zoo officials.
They will remain in their night quarters and out of sight from the public, officials said.
“We are always monitoring susceptible species and will continue to review our protocols, which follow the latest scientific data and government recommendations,” Stringfield said. “The safety of our team, the animals entrusted to our care, and guests remains our No. 1 priority.”
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ZooTampa’s orangutans are to be tested for COVID-19 out of caution, according to the report.
