GORILLAS FIRST TEST POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

The American Zoo in San Diego has released information on the infection of two gorillas with coronavirus. The incident became the first known case of transmission of the virus to great apes.

The disease was suspected after the animals began coughing in early January.

After laboratory tests, COVID-19 was detected in two animals, but zoo staff admit the likelihood of infection in other monkeys.

At the moment, sick gorillas are in quarantine and the head of the zoo, speaking about their condition, noted that only a stuffy nose and a cough were observed. In general, according to him, the animals are doing well - the zoo expresses hope for their full recovery.

Talking about possible ways of infecting gorillas, a version of their infection by one of the zoo employees, who carried the coronavirus in an asymptomatic form, was put forward.

The zoo has been closed to visitors since early December.

According to the assurances of scientists, the virus is really capable of "jumping" into the cells of all mammals, but it is difficult to imagine the process of infection of animals by humans in the wilderness.