On August 31, the San Antonio Zoo (USA) announced that it would vaccinate animals against Covid-19. They will use the vaccine from Zoetis - the largest pharmaceutical company specializing in the production of drugs and vaccinations for animals and pets. The animals that will be vaccinated first are African lions, Sumatran tigers, white-cheeked gibbons and Francois' langurs.
“At least 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, possibly including Covid-19,” Zoetis said. “More than ever, we are seeing the connection between animal and human health.”
Tim Morrow, CEO and President of the San Antonio Zoo, also expressed his joy at being able to contribute to ensuring the safety of animals as well as visitors. According to Morrow, the zoo staff has taken many measures to prevent Covid-19 for animals such as disinfection, use of protective equipment, visitor management and most recently vaccination.
African lions were among the first to be vaccinated at the San Antonio Zoo.
To date, pharmaceutical company Zoetis has donated more than 11,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to animals living in nearly 70 zoos as well as more than 10 sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organizations scattered in 27 states in the US.
Earlier this year, San Diego Zoo, the first zoo to vaccinate animals, also used Zoetis’ vaccine to vaccinate gibbons and orangutans. In early July, 48 animals at the Oakland Zoo in California received at least one dose of the experimental Covid-19 vaccine developed specifically for animals. In addition, the Detroit Zoo has begun planning to vaccinate chimpanzees, gorillas, tigers, and lions.
Oakland Zoo vaccinated tigers last July.
Orangutans and bonobos at the San Diego Zoo were the first animals to receive the vaccine in January 2021.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some reports around the world show that animals can be infected with the Covid-19 virus. Most of them are infected after contact with infected people. Cases of animals infected with Covid-19 have been recorded in gorillas in zoos, mink on farms and other mammals... However, this unit emphasizes that based on current information, the risk of animals spreading Covid-19 to humans is considered low.
