At a zoo in the United States, it was discovered that 18 gorillas in captivity were infected with the new coronavirus.
At the zoo, it is highly likely that the zoo was infected by a vaccinated keeper.
At a zoo in Atlanta, Georgia, southern United States, 18 of the 20 western lowland gorillas in captivity were found to have been infected with the new coronavirus.
The keeper noticed multiple gorilla abnormalities such as coughing, runny nose, and loss of appetite, and when examined by a laboratory, the infection was found.
Since it is difficult to isolate gorillas that live densely in groups, they are not isolated at the zoo and continue to observe their health condition.
The gorilla keeper had already been vaccinated, but since the infection was confirmed afterwards, the zoo believes that the gorillas are likely to have been infected by this keeper.
In the United States, infections such as lions have been found at zoos in New York, and vaccinations for animals developed by American companies have begun at zoos around the world, but this zoo has not yet been vaccinated.
In the future, the zoo will recommend inoculating animals that may be infected, such as gorillas, orangutans, and lions.