When the veterinarians of the Antwerp Zoo Virus noticed two hippopotamuses. Who had runny noses, they did not just give tissue to blow noses. They conducted tests that confirmed positive for COVID-19, a global virus that has been ravaging across the globe.
Since the beginning of this global epidemic nearly 2 years ago. human beings haven’t been the only species that have contracted the COVID-19 virus. While the Belgian hippos were among the first animals to get the infection it has spread across the animal kingdom in all its forms.
COVID-19 has shown how health is connect to animals, humans and the natural world and the method which considers these connections and connections is refer to by the name of One Health.
The response to the pandemic is a great example that shows One Health in action. Physicians, veterinarians, and environmental specialists have had to work together to determine which species are at risk to understand the way in which COVID-19 virus is spread.
Pets Infected With The Virus
In the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic If you can recall this far back, alarming stories of pets infect with COVID-19 viruses sparked doubts that were unfound about the possibility of risk of exposure and the possibility of illnesses.
In April 2020 two cats from different families in different areas of New York state became the first domestic cats in America to contract the COVID-19 virus. This was then a few months later, an initial positive British cat.
Although the initial American dog to be test positively for COVID-19 passed away within a short time the symptoms suggest the possibility of cancer, which suggests that the virus could not the primary reason for the death. While confirm COVID-19 in pets is quite rare the fact is that cats and dogs are susceptible to contracting the virus through a household member who is infected.
In contrast and to our great relief the overwhelming consensus has been forged from the top veterinary associations that the likelihood of human beings contracting COVID-19 from their pets and cats is very low.
Incredibly, an publication published in Scientific American reported on studies which revealed that, of the cats and dogs who resided in a home with a family member who was positive One in five animals had the virus, even though symptoms were generally minimal.
There is currently no reason for both dogs and cats to receive vaccinations However. The pharmaceutical industry is certain that they will be able to quickly develop a vaccine that will ensure the safety of pets.
Animals At Risk Virus
When the first signs of the epidemic researchers were keen to find out the extent COVID-19’s transmission between humans. And animals in light of the potential that animals could spark new outbreaks.
In the beginning, at least seven large cats (lions and tigers) from the Bronx Zoo tested positive for COVID-19. In 2021, by the time the year ended there were over 300 wild animals. From 15 species were diagnose with COVID-19. This included hyenas the tigers, lions and snow leopards, gorillasand deer and otters.
Recently four snow leopards who were infect by humans have pass away in American Zoos. The risks are not limit to the realm of animal life. Gorillas that are captive, for instance are extremely at risk of contracting COVID-19. If the disease spreads to wild gorillas this could lead to the loss of this critically endangered species.
Animal Virus Vaccines
If people aren’t contracting COVID-19 through animals, why do scientists have a concern? Since pets are at greater risk from humans who have contracted the disease. And those who interact with wild animals must take precautions to avoid transmission. But it is crucial to keep in mind that animals are likely to be the origin. Of today’s pandemic bats in particular have a variety of coronavirus strains. They are also regard by some to be the first carriers of SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.
The transmission of COVID-19 virus among humans and animals was discover in minks. This is a problem that has spread to mink farms throughout Europe, the United States and Europe. This has led to the extinction of thousands of minks have been kill. And there has been calls for the ban of farming minks.
The most recent method of preventing transmission between humans. And animals has been the development of COVID-19 vaccinations that are available to animals. Zoos have the responsibility of often rare and high-value animals, certain have started to immunize their animals.
New Viruses Are Emerging
There are some concerns regarding the fact that the COVID-19 virus may have the possibility. Of being undiscover in animals, and it could alter and then become more harmful or infect humans.
Three out of every four new infections in humans are the result of animal diseases. And is a source of concern for researchers. Researchers are concerned concerning zoonotic spillover, the transfer of disease between animals and humans. Because of the increased danger from infectious agents capable of jumping the species barrier.
The current epidemic describe as a wake-up call for realizing the significance to One Health. A collaborative global plan for the wellbeing and health. Of human beings as well as animals and the natural world. That could help to prevent the emergence of future global health crises.