By Rachel Mills
The Washington Post reports the Wildlife Conservation Society announced Sunday a tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for covid-19.
The Tiger, a 4-year-old female named Nadia, is believed to be the first animal in the United States to contract covid-19.
CNN reports samples from Nadia were taken and tested after the tiger -- and five other tigers and lions at the zoo -- began showing symptoms of respiratory illness, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The tiger was infected by a zoo employee who was "asymptomatically infected with the virus" while caring for them, according to the zoo. The Bronx Zoo has been closed to the public since March 16, according to CNN.
CNN also reports the zoo said "It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries."
Anyone sick with the covid-19 is being advised to minimize contact with animals, including pets, until more information is known about the virus, the USDA said.
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