A Tiger in the U.S. Has Contracted COVID-19

A 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the coronavirus. This is the first known case globally of the virus being transmitted to a tiger, with the animal's test results confirmed by the Iowa State Veterinary Laboratory, reports BBC News.

According to sources, the animals likely contracted the virus from their caretaker. The infection was suspected when dry coughing was observed in Nadia, the female tiger, and her sister, Azul, as well as three African lions.

The "cats" have a good appetite and are engaging actively with their caretakers under the supervision of veterinarians. Previously, cases of cats testing positive for the coronavirus were also recorded in Hong Kong and Russia.