Lion tests Covid positive at Etawah Safari

Faiz.Siddiqui@timesgroup.com
Kanpur: An Asiatic lion has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection, aaising an alarm in Etawah Lion Safari.
Swabs of 14 Asiatic lions in Etawah Safari had been sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly, for RT-PCR tests for Covid-19. The institute conducted the tests and found one lion positive for the infection, while another was considered as a suspected case.Rest 12 lions have tested negative.
As per sources, Safari authorities had raised an alarm a few days ago when they came across two lions coughing and suffering from a runny nose besides loss of appetite.
Talking to TOI, joint director Centre for Animal Disease Research and Diagnosis (CADRAD) at IVRI, Bareilly, Dr KP Singh said, the Covid test report of one lion was positive while one seems to be a suspected case.
Dr Singh said the chain of transmission of virus could have taken place through any asymptomatic human carrier, probably caretakers, working at the Safari.
“We have asked the safari authorities to shift the infected animals in complete isolation and to instruct the caretakers to wear protective gear and masks,” he added.
The Safari has been shut for public as a precautionary measure. The Etawah Lion Safari authorities said the two lions are undergoing treatment at the veterinary hospital in the premises and all necessary precautions are being taken.