Chennai: 4 Lions diagnosed with Delta variant of COVID-19 at Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Geme sequencing analysis of four samples taken from lions at Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur revealed that y were all affected by delta (B.1.617.2) variant of COVID-19. Arignar Anna Zoological Park released an official letter which stated that  geme sequencing of four samples was done at NISH, Bhopal. Analysis of sequences shows that all 4 sequences belong to Pangolin line B.1.617.2 and are Delta variants as per WHO menclature.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park h sent samples of 11 lions housed in park for testing for SARS CoV-2 to ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHS), Bhopal-- on May 24 for 4 lions and on May 29 for 7 lions.

On June 3, NISH, Bhopal presented its report where samples of 9 lions h tested positive for SARS CoV-2 and since n animals have been under active treatment. park authorities h requested Institute to share results of geme sequencing of SARS CoV-2 virus that has infected lions.

COVID-19 cases in Asiatic Lions

However, this is t first case, several lions in or states have also tested positive for COVID-19

• Marking a first in India, several Asiatic lions at Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderab showed mild symptoms of COVID-19 on May 5
• A lion at Etawah Safari Park has tested positive and ar was suspected to have caught infection on May 8
• A lion, named Tripur, living in Jaipur zoo has tested positive for Coronavirus on May 12
• About eight Asiatic lions from Vandalur Zoo have tested positive for Coronavirus on June 6

Tamil Nu CM MK Stalin visits Vandalur Zoo

Earlier, this month Chief Minister of Tamil Nu MK Stalin visited  Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur to review health conditions of COVID-affected Asiatic Lions in zoo. Tamil Nu CM instructed senior officials of Department of Environment & Forest and Zoo to take all measures to provide best treatment to infected Lions as per Protocols. He asked  authorities to ensure that proper vaccination is ministered to all animal Handlers and zoo officials.

WHO tracking 'delta plus' variant

WHO officials h earlier cautioned that variant B.1.617.2 is likely to cause more severe symptoms, although more reattach is needed in that area. Meanwhile, global health ncy is also actively tracking  recently emerged “delta plus” variant. current variant of interest, Delta Plus is a highly virulent mutation of Delta virus that has been detected in India. strain has been circulating in Europe since March. 

(With ANI Inputs)

(Im Credits: PIXABAY/UNSPLASH)