6 Lions, 3 Tigers at Washington Zoo Test Positive for COVID-19

Six lions and three tigers at the National Zoo in Washington tested positive for Covid-19, the zoo revealed on Friday.

"Last weekend, animal keepers observed decreased appetites, coughing, sneezing and lethargy" in six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two tigers from Siberia, who all tested positive for the deadly virus in preliminary tests, according to the zoo’s statement.

It affirmed that they are undergoing treatment after falling unwell, noting that results of tests to confirm the diagnosis are expected in a few days.

Meantime, the sick cats are being treated with anti-inflammatories and anti-nausea medication, as well as antibiotics to ward off pneumonia.

The zoo assured visitors that they are not at risk because of the distance between them and the felines, asserting that no other animals have shown signs of infection.

Primates in several zoos have become infected. Several gorillas at the zoo in Atlanta tested positive last week.

In order to protect them from Covid, animals at the Washington zoo will be injected with a product developed by Zoetis, a drug company that makes vaccines and medicine for pets and livestock.