Snow leopard tests positive for COVID-19

Another big cat species tested positive COVID-19, this time it is snow leopard. Three snow leopards, two males and a female, tested positive at a zoo in Kentucky in the United States.

The female’s infection was confirmed first. All three leopards showed mild symptoms including wheezing and dry coughs.

Officials took samples from the three large cats after they showed signs of respiratory illness, the statement said.

All three showed mild symptoms and are being monitored closely, but are expected to make full recoveries, the Louisville Zoo said in a statement. No other animals were showing symptoms, the zoo said.

The cats were likely infected by an asymptomatic staff member, despite precautions that included caretakers wearing personal protective equipment, officials said.

The zoo said the risk of infected animals spreading the virus to humans is considered to be low and the zoo remains open, though the snow leopard exhibit is closed while the cats recover.

The snow leopards are one of at least six animal species to become infected with coronavirus after close contact with humans. The first was a Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, who in April tested positive for coronavirus after showing symptoms of respiratory illness. By the end of the month, eight of the zoo’s big cats, including four other tigers and three African lions, tested positive for the virus.