“The discovery of Covid-19 infections in gorillas is not at all surprising,” says Scott Weese, DVM. “We have assumed gorillas (and other non-human primates) that are relatively closely related to humans would be very susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, just like we are.”
Sources all point the transfer to an asymptomatic staff member who had been following safety recommendations, including wearing personal protective equipment when near animals. The human-to-animal transfer is an important consideration for guiding control measures in other settings.
Sources:
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park Update. Link. Includes video.
- New York Times, January 11, 2020. Link.
- Associated Press, January 11, 2020. Link.
- WormsandGerms Blog, January 11, 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: The map of the Safari Park reveals an open-air location spanning over 1,800 acres. It is home to more than 3,500 animals and 260 species ,as well as a huge botanical garden. The park lies six miles east of Escondido in the San Pasqual Valley, about 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
There was no mention of other possible vectors, but the park is certainly visited frequently by various bird species and rodents who increase the potential for Covid transfer.
- Park location.
- SD Zoo Safari Park map. Link. Gorillas in the lower left area of park map.