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Brussels (AP) — The Belgian zoo said on Friday that a pair of hippo has been quarantined after a positive COVID-19 test.
The Belgian National Institute of Veterinary Medicine has confirmed that two hippo (14-year-old Imani and 41-year-old Elmien) at Antwerp Zoo have been infected with COVID-19. It is unknown how they caught it. Both giant semi-aquatic herbivores are fine, except that they have a very runny nose. Keepers are tightening virus regulations around the zoo.
“As far as I know, this is the first recorded contamination of this species. Worldwide, the virus is predominantly found in apes and felines,” said Francis Berkhammen, a veterinarian at the Antwerp Zoo. I am.
How the hippo got sick remains a mystery. Last year, all animals in the zoo were tested for COVID-19, but no cases were found. Hippo noses usually tend to be wet, but Vercammen said he decided to test the thick liquid that came out as a precautionary measure and was surprised at the results.
The hippo enclosure is closed to visitors and will only be reopened if the pair test is negative. All of their handlers have been tested negative for the virus and require wearing masks and safety glasses and disinfecting footwear before approaching the two animals.
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The Belgian zoo says its two very runny hippo have COVID-19 | WGN Radio 720
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