Chennai: Covid-infected lions now tests positive for highly contagious distemper virus at Vandalur Zoo
One lioness tested positive for SARSCoV-2 and distemper virus, another lioness for SARSCoV-2, and a lion tested positive for distemper virus.
CHENNAI: As if Covid troubles are not enough, the endangered Asiatic lions in the famous Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo) in Chennai have been tested positive for highly contagious distemper virus.
Out of seven samples (four tiger and 3 lions) sent to ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI) in Izatnagar, Bareilly, in Uttar Pradesh, one lioness tested positive for SARSCoV-2 and distemper virus, another lioness for SARSCoV-2, and a lion tested positive for distemper virus,” said IVRI Joint Director K P Singh said.
But, all the four tiger samples have tested negative for both the viruses.

When contacted, Vandalur Zoo authorities told media, “We have not formally received any communication from IVRI so far. The tigers were tested negative, but the lion samples report is still awaited.”
Lioness #Dies of #Coronavirus at TamilNadu Zoo, Other #Lions Also #Positive
Coronavirus has claimed the life of a lioness and has infected nine other lions at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly known as Vandalur Zoo, located here.#CovidinAnimals #COVID #CORONA pic.twitter.com/T6bHVSiOu0
— Trending Students (@TrendingStudent) June 4, 2021
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