Tigers TEST POSITIVE FOR SARS-CoV-2

Update 12/17/21: The tigers have recovered and are once again visible in their public habitat.

The results of a rapid antigen test have shown that two tigers at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium have tested positive for COVID-19. The tigers began displaying clinical signs including occasional coughing and loose stool but have otherwise been in good condition. Voluntary nasal swabs were gathered from the cats, providing the initial results. Additionally, PCR testing of fecal matter has been submitted for analysis.

Animal care staff continue to provide supportive care to the tigers; the felines are eating normally and are expected to make a full recovery.

“We are taking this situation seriously and are continuing to provide the best care possible to our tigers,” says Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President and CEO. “We do not allow any of our visitors to come within close proximity to any of our cats, so the risk of transmission to our guests is very low.”

All animals have been closely monitored throughout the pandemic and staff continue to follow appropriate biomedical security measures. The infected tigers likely contracted the virus after exposure to an asymptomatic zoo employee. At this time, limited quantities of vaccination have been made available for animals in human care and the Pittsburgh Zoo is currently on the waiting list for the preventative treatment.

In April of this year, two female lions tested positive for COVID-19 and made a full recovery. There has been no evidence that wild or domestic cats have played a significant role in spreading the virus to humans in the US, nor have there been any domestic fatalities of tigers who have contracted the virus.