Tiger tests positive for COVID-19, USDA answers questions

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Tiger tests positive for COVID-19, USDA answers questions

The USDA recommends humans with COVID-19 distance themselves from pets and livestock after a tiger at a zoo in New York tested positive for the virus.

Public health officials think multiple large cats at the zoo contracted the virus from a zoo employee with CVOID-19.

The USDA and CDC are monitoring the situation and say there is still a lot to learn about how the virus spreads in animals. Although there have not been reports of any pets with COVID-19 in the US, they say anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals out of an abundance of caution.

At this time there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets and livestock, can spread the virus to people. The USDA and CDC do not recommend routine testing of animals for the virus. If animals are showing symptoms, the decision to test will be made collaboratively between local, state or federal public and animal health officials. There is still no evidence that COVID-19 is a food safety threat.

More information, including a questions and answers list can be found on the USDA APHIS website. .

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