Tiger at New York City zoo tests positive for coronavirus

JULIE LARSEN MAHER / WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY / AFP

A tiger at New York City's Bronx Zoo has become the first known case of an animal infected by a human with COVID-19.

The four-year-old Malayan tiger, named Nadia, along with six other big cats, is believed to have been infected by an asymptomatic zoo keeper.

According to the zoo officials, the first animal started showing symptoms, including a dry cough, late last month.

"This is the first time that any of us know of anywhere in the world that a person infected the animal and the animal got sick," said Paul Calle, the chief veterinarian at the zoo.

The animals are well and are expected to recover, the official added.

The zoo has been closed to the public since March 16 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

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