Human-to-lion COVID transmission confirmed: Singapore study rings alarm bells for endangered species

By Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D.Oct 30 2023 Human-to-animal transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 delta variant was detected at a Singapore zoo in 2021.

Background Scientists from the National Parks Board, Singapore, investigated the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in captive African and Asian lions at a zoo in Singapore during the delta variant-dominated wave in 2021. In order to control interspecies viral transmission and protect endangered species, they sought to understand the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in different hosts.

For viral detection, respiratory samples were collected from two infected lions and tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction . The test results confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Fecal samples were collected from the other infected lions for non-invasive infection monitoring for three weeks.

Related StoriesThe phylogenomic findings revealed high viral genetic similarity between lions and the zookeeper, indicating an anthropogenic route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The viral subclade was identified as the delta lineage AY.23.1, the predominantly circulating SARS-CoV-2 strain during the study period.

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