5th lion in Singapore tests positive for COVID-19

An African lion from the Singapore Zoo that showed signs of sickness on Nov 8 has tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR.

It is the fifth lion to test positive for the virus. The other four cases were Asiatic lions from the Night Safari.

“We will continue to work with the Mandai Wildlife Group to closely monitor the health of the lions, which includes sampling and testing of their faecal material for the SARS-CoV-2 virus,“ said the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster under the National Parks Board (NParks).

Currently, all lions, including those which have tested positive, are isolated within their respective dens.

Although there have been reports in other countries of animals being tested positive after being in close contact with COVID-19 infected individuals, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), there is currently no evidence that animals play a role in the spread of the disease to humans.

AVS emphasised that the current spread of COVID-19 is predominantly a result of human-to-human transmission.