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- Title
Probable Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from African Lion to Zoo Employees, Indiana, USA, 2021.
- Authors
Siegrist, Audrey A.; Richardson, Kira L.; Ghai, Ria R.; Pope, Brian; Yeadon, Jamie; Culp, Betsy; Behravesh, Casey Barton; Lixia Liu; Brown, Jennifer A.; Boyer, Leslie V.
- Abstract
We describe animal-to-human transmission of SARSCoV- 2 in a zoo setting in Indiana, USA. A vaccinated African lion with physical limitations requiring hand feeding tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after onset of respiratory signs. Zoo employees were screened, monitored prospectively for onset of symptoms, then rescreened as indicated; results were confirmed by using reverse transcription PCR and whole-genome virus sequencing when possible. Traceback investigation narrowed the source of infection to 1 of 6 persons. Three exposed employees subsequently had onset of symptoms, 2 with viral genomes identical to the lion's. Forward contact tracing investigation confirmed probable lion-to-human transmission. Close contact with large cats is a risk factor for bidirectional zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission that should be considered when occupational health and biosecurity practices at zoos are designed and implemented. SARS-CoV-2 rapid testing and detection methods for big cats and other susceptible animals should be developed and validated to enable timely implementation of One Health investigations.
- Publication
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2023, Vol 29, Issue 6, p1102
- ISSN
1080-6040
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3201/eid2906.230150