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Emerg Infect Dis
. 2023 Apr 17;29(6).
doi: 10.3201/eid2906.230150. Online ahead of print.
Probable Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from African Lion to Zoo Employees, Indiana, USA, 2021
Audrey A Siegrist, Kira L Richardson, Ria R Ghai, Brian Pope, Jamie Yeadon, Betsy Culp, Casey Barton Behravesh, Lixia Liu, Jennifer A Brown, Leslie V Boyer
- PMID: 37069611
- DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.230150
Abstract
We describe animal-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a zoo setting in Indiana, USA. A vaccinated African lion with physical limitations requiring hand feeding tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after onset of respiratory signs. Zoo employees were screened, monitored prospectively for onset of symptoms, then rescreened as indicated; results were confirmed by using reverse transcription PCR and whole-genome virus sequencing when possible. Traceback investigation narrowed the source of infection to 1 of 5 persons. Three exposed employees subsequently had onset of symptoms, 2 with viral genomes identical to the lion's. Forward contact tracing investigation confirmed probable lion-to-human transmission. Close contact with large cats is a risk factor for bidirectional zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission that should be considered when occupational health and biosecurity practices at zoos are designed and implemented. SARS-CoV-2 rapid testing and detection methods for big cats and other susceptible animals should be developed and validated to enable timely implementation of One Health investigations.
Keywords: African lion; COVID-19; Indiana; One Health; RT-PCR; SARS-CoV-2; United States; biosecurity; coronavirus disease; rapid test; respiratory infections; risk factor; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; vaccine-preventable diseases; viruses; zoonoses.